From steve.probert@patent.gov.uk  Fri Oct 13 09:48:03 2000
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2000 10:48:03 +0100
From: Steve Probert steve.probert@patent.gov.uk
Subject: [Patents] simple questions

>Continuing speaking from a linguistic approach, I used "will" then, 
>Why you speak about the "last thirty years".

I assume, because patents have been granted for software throughout that period; though judging by many of the contributions to this list I can understand why some might think otherwise.

If the EPC is amended next month, the most significant result may be that people realise that software can (in some circumstances) be patented.  Now (speculating), I wonder whether that might be one reason for the proposed amendment?

Steve Probert
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               




