Re: [Fsfe-uk] Symbian reanimates software patent debate

[MJ Ray]

Alex Hudson <address@hidden> wrote:
> Nicked off some other lists I read; I haven't seen this echoed here yet. 
> Symbian recently got a Court decision overturning a UKIPO decision to 
> refuse them a software patent: [...]

Former colleague Paul Russell passed me
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2212353/symbian-wins-software-patent
which contains obvious errors and I hadn't found time to look up
the original sources (which VNU don't link - naughty).

It's somewhat worrying that VNU report it as "Symbian's win could
benefit UK software makers" when there will be N makers hurt for every
one that benefits.  I'll drop a short comment to them.

> Hopefully, if we in the UK can get our act together, we can stop this 
> from getting approved: I don't think this patent is very strong, 
> particularly for the above reason.

I agree.  How can we help stop this?  If no-one beats me to it, I'll
ask UKPTO/IPO.  Ironically, I know more about the European PO and
USPTO than how the UK system works.

Regards,
-- 
MJ Ray (slef)
Webmaster for hire, statistician and online shop builder for a small
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