[Patents] simple questions

[Steve Probert steve.probert@patent.gov.uk]

>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