[Discuss] Self-introduction and more on software patent

[Jerry Feldman]

Thanks Hsuan-Yeh for posting this information. I have very mixed
emotions on software patents. But one /of my pet peaves is the patent
trolls (or companies whose only or primary business is patents).
>From a non-legal standpoint, it is my opinion that only individuals or
companies who developed the product covered by the patent (or who have
purchased the product and IP) should be able to enforce patents. In
addition, there are many cases where companies have knowingly allowed
their patents to be used before enforcing them.

I think that software patents are difficult because software is based on
algorithms. How do you really define a software patent that is unique.
Most software engineers are going to build their software using
algorithms they learned from Knuth or Wirth.  Certainly a software
author wants to protect his/her work. IMHO, there is just too much prior
art and math in most software.

In any case, it is time for me to go home.

-- 
Jerry Feldman <gaf at blu.org>
Boston Linux and Unix
PGP key id:3BC1EB90 
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