Freedom of expression
Software patents can interfere with people's freedom of expression in various 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).
Inducement worries
As described in the amicus brief by the American Civil Liberties Union,[1] because "inducement to infringement" is a crime in the USA, sharing technical information about a possibly-patented idea could lead to an infringement suit.
External links
- Freedom of Speech in Software, a 1991 essay by Phil Salin