Re: [pgsql-advocacy] Software Patents

Marc G. Fournier wrote:

> On Fri, 22 Apr 2005, Joshua D. Drake wrote:
>
>>> Basically, if we're going to be *anti-patent*, we need to know the why
>>
>>
>> anti-software-patent
>
>
> You keep differentiating this ... but, in both cases, aren't we
> discussing IP rights?

Am am not sure that I am anti-patent in the general sense. I am not
sure that I would even be opposed to an appropriately balanced software
patent system. However, I think that it is quite reasonable to say that
our current patent system is unreasonable when it comes to software. I
think that this is what Joshua is saying when he says that he is
anti-software-patent. To this I would ask if he would have the same
opposition of software patents lasted, say 3 years, and had a much
higher standard of acceptance than they now do. What if they were more
limited in scope?

However, I don't see anyone arguing with the main point that open source
software projects and small software development companies cannot afford
to do any real patent searches in order to offer anyguarantee of
non-infringement. This is a problem which is more practical and
economic than political. And it is a real problem. Yes, I too worry
about alienating the likes of Fujitsu. However, I think that if we are
worried about it, maybe we should approach them and ask them what they
thing on the matter?

The issue of software patents is simply a question of whether they
provide us the benefit the patent system was designed to provide.
Nothing more or less.

Best Wishes,
CHris Travers
Metatron Technology Consulting