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Difference between revisions of "Freedom of expression"

(The removed text is absolutely bogus. The details of each patent are publicly available.)
(restored "Discussing technology" restriction, with reference)
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For example: [[patents possibly violated by swpats.org|How many patents are violated by swpats.org?]]
 
For example: [[patents possibly violated by swpats.org|How many patents are violated by swpats.org?]]
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==Discussing technology==
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If something is patented, then you might not be able to publish a sensible discussion about it (See for example Andrew Tridgell's [http://lkml.org/lkml/2009/6/26/314 VFAT patch FAQ] on LKML, the Linux Kernel Mailing List).
  
 
[[Category:Arguments]]
 
[[Category:Arguments]]

Revision as of 04:15, 29 June 2009

Software patents can interfere with people's freedom of expression in two ways.

Communication technology

Most modern communication technology is based on software. If only MyCompany can use a certain communication technology, then anyone who can't afford the software of MyCompany, or anyone who objects to using the software of MyCompany is excluded from certain types of communication.

For example: How many patents are violated by swpats.org?

Discussing technology

If something is patented, then you might not be able to publish a sensible discussion about it (See for example Andrew Tridgell's VFAT patch FAQ on LKML, the Linux Kernel Mailing List).