From my experience with software patents I've been involved with, one
does not patent "code". One patents ideas and techniques. The actual
code implementing those ideas/techniques is not part of the patent,
and can remain a trade secret.
In a patent infringement case I was involved in, the plaintiff had
attached the entire logic manual of the software product to the
patent!! No code, but a lot could be learned from the manual.
Fortunately, the plaintiffs lawyers correctly determined that the
patent, as filed, was unenforceable and they went away.
--
Bruce A. Black
Senior Software Developer for FDR
Innovation Data Processing 973-890-7300
personal: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
sales info: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
tech support: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
web: www.innovationdp.fdr.com
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