If the idea originates in PostgreSQL, then nobody else can patent it, because there will be pre-existing art (the PostgreSQL engine) that already demonstrated the idea. A patent must have a novel idea in it.
I do not think a good thing can come from creation of software patents. Here is a link of interest: http://swpat.ffii.org/index.en.html Of course, it is IMO-YMMV. > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:pgsql-hackers- > [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alvaro Herrera > Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2005 10:14 PM > To: Hackers > Subject: [HACKERS] Can we get patents? > > Hackers, > > I was reading LWN.net and noticed an article about Eben Moglen's keynote > at linux.conf.au. Apparently he advises free software projects to get > patents on their best ideas. > > Eben encouraged free software developers to record their novel > inventions and to obtain patents on the best of them. Free legal > help can be made available to obtain patents on the best ideas. > Until the rules of the game can be changed, we must play the > game, and having the right patents available may make all the > difference in defending against an attack. > > http://lwn.net/Articles/133421/ > > Eben Moglen is the FSF's attorney. > > I'm wondering, could the PostgreSQL Foundation (or some other entity) > get patents on some parts of Postgres? Maybe ResourceOwners for > example; or the newer parts of the optimizer. > > The patents would be freely licensed to everyone (including commercial > redistributors and developers/users of competing products), except to > patent litigators, or something like that. > > -- > Alvaro Herrera (<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>) > "La espina, desde que nace, ya pincha" (Proverbio africano) > > ---------------------------(end of broadcast)--------------------------- > TIP 8: explain analyze is your friend ---------------------------(end of broadcast)--------------------------- TIP 8: explain analyze is your friend
