On May 5, 2011, at 8:11 PM, Mark wrote: > On Thu, May 5, 2011 at 9:14 AM, Stuart Stevenson <[email protected]> wrote: > >> On Thu, May 5, 2011 at 7:31 AM, Przemek Klosowski < >> [email protected]> wrote: >> >>> On Wed, May 4, 2011 at 4:54 PM, Mark <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>>> FYI - I sent Balazs an email several months ago asking if the source >> was >>>> available. He replied that he wasn't able to release the source >> because >>> he >>>> had (or was applying for) patents. >>> >>> Interesting comment because the whole point of the patent system is to >>> release the information on inventions to the public, while protecting >>> the inventor's rights. I think it's yet another example of the patent >>> system not working as intended, and needing the reform >> >> or lack of understanding >> >> -- >> dos centavos > > > If someone patented several variations of "metal cylinder to transmit power" > and you needed a driveshaft, you would be screwed. Same for a piston, roller > bearing, etc. Most of the software patents seem to be analogous to this. > > It would be a moot point if we could convince WIPO et al that source code > should't be patentable (either because it's an algorithm, or because > software patents do more harm than good). Unfortunately, there seems to be > a lot of money backing the opposing opinion. > > I'm not terribly fond of patents in general; patents seem to be used as > weapons by large companies to scare off competition/innovation. I wish > there was a use-it-or-lose-it provision in IP law - if you can't prove that > products on the market use your patent, and can't prove that you have R&D > expenses related to the patent, then you lose the right to enforce your > patent or to mention the patent in litigation. Not a perfect solution, I'm > sure, but given some of the horror stories I've heard, I think it would be > an improvement. > > $.02 >
Mark, I partially agree with you, what if I (as a person) invent something great, but I don't have the resources to back it up. Then I am going to be a poor puppy. I kinda like the system in Europe, there are no software patents there, and thee is no such thing 'Let me make a patent of swiping a finger across a display to do whatever action'. I think the software industry needs to be reminded to this lady : http://www.ted.com/talks/johanna_blakley_lessons_from_fashion_s_free_culture.html Now you might thinking, fashion?? But if you watch the whole TED movie, you will notice she has a good point. Patent FREE industry has MUCH bigger turnover then industries that USES patents. If we could only share our code a lot more efficient, then it wouldn't stall innovation so much. This goes for all industries where patents are applied. I am not against patents, but it would be nice if the patents are better priced, so companies could innovate easers by grabbing patents together pay a fee and build something out of it, just like shopping in a patent supermarket. Ries ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WhatsUp Gold - Download Free Network Management Software The most intuitive, comprehensive, and cost-effective network management toolset available today. Delivers lowest initial acquisition cost and overall TCO of any competing solution. http://p.sf.net/sfu/whatsupgold-sd _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list [email protected] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
