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Difference between revisions of "Software patents"

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{{navbox}}A patent is a 20 year monopoly on the use of an idea.  In software, these monopolies cause [[arguments|many problems]]. Ideas must meet certain [[What is patentable|criteria]] in order for a patent to be given.
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==Definitions==
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A "'''Software patent'''" has various definitions.
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On this wiki, we use it the term with a broad definition to include patents on:
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* Algorithms
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* File formats or communication protocols
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* Game patents
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* [[Business methods]]
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* Network services
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These are areas that legislation, courts, and patent offices should exclude from [[patentable subject matter]].
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Keeping in mind that we're using that broad definition of "software", you may be interested to read [[Why focus only on software]].
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==Algorithms==
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Examples:
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* [[RSA algorithm]]
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* [[LZW algorithm]]
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==Business methods==
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[[Business method patents]] are not necessarily software based, but I don't know of any patent that's been granted on a business method without a computer being included in the application.
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* [[1-click shopping]]
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===External links about business methods===
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* http://www.bannerwitcoff.com/articles/ecommerce.pdf
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* http://www.chillingeffects.org/ecom/
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* http://www.lawdit.co.uk/reading_room/room/view_article.asp?name=../articles/13july09(3)cranwaycase.htm
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==Related pages on {{SITENAME}}==
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* [[How to read patents]]
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* [[Costs of patenting]]
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==External links==
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* [http://www.softwarefreedom.org/resources/2008/foss-primer.html#x1-390004 SFLC's handbook explains patents and software patents]
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* [http://www.softwarefreedom.org/podcast-media/Software-Freedom-Law-Show_0x0C_Patently-False.ogg Bradley Kuhn and Karen Sandler discuss patents, software patents, and free software licences]
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* [http://media.ffii.org/animation/How%20software%20patents%20work.ogg Video: How software patents work.ogg]
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{{page footer}}
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[[Category:Understanding the patent system]]

Revision as of 14:47, 7 April 2010

A patent is a 20 year monopoly on the use of an idea. In software, these monopolies cause many problems. Ideas must meet certain criteria in order for a patent to be given.

Definitions

A "Software patent" has various definitions.

On this wiki, we use it the term with a broad definition to include patents on:

  • Algorithms
  • File formats or communication protocols
  • Game patents
  • Business methods
  • Network services

These are areas that legislation, courts, and patent offices should exclude from patentable subject matter.

Keeping in mind that we're using that broad definition of "software", you may be interested to read Why focus only on software.

Algorithms

Examples:

Business methods

Business method patents are not necessarily software based, but I don't know of any patent that's been granted on a business method without a computer being included in the application.

External links about business methods

Related pages on ESP Wiki

External links