[Patents] object code.

[Nick@bigfatpanda.fsnet.co.uk (Nick Fleming)]

Philippe Coulonges wrote :

> That decision was right, there are no ideas disclosed in object codes.
Source
> codes are ideas and as such can't be patented and can't be restricted from
> researches. Let us contribute in order to fund our best advocates to
defend
> that point of view.
>
    That was my first thought too. Then I realised that modern object files
can
contain so much stuff, especially files with debugging and browsing
information
in them that they could easily be converted to a more human readable form,
even source code. However, because of widespread use of macro's and
preprocessors and even errors in software, I think it is more correct to say
that object files may not contain a complete description of an idea or
algorithm.

    I suspect in response to people saying why doesnt the legal system learn
about software, then legal professionals might reply - why don't software
engineers learn more about the law ? - But yes, I agree, technical
competence
is certainly a requirement for anyone dealing with the legalities of
software.

Regards,

Nick Fleming.