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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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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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nqCNMD  <a href="http://fmcefswzqfpc.com/">fmcefswzqfpc</a>, [url=http://bkjcfsqmuqyh.com/]bkjcfsqmuqyh[/url], [link=http://adjdwgdcljxh.com/]adjdwgdcljxh[/link], http://hmkhcvaygiye.com/
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==Definitions==
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A "'''Software patent'''" is a patent on an idea that can be implemented in software on a computer.
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A patent on improving the braking of a car by configuring the car to use "[[Anti-lock braking example|anti-lock braking]]" would not be a software patent; it requires a car.  On the other hand, someone writing a computer game involving cars would not be running any patent risk.
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This includes patents on algorithms, file formats, and communication protocols.  In a broad sense, it can include game patents, [[business methods]], and network services.
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For one attempt to describe this in a way suitable for legislation, see the [[EU 2005 proposed amendments]].
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To abolish software patents, we need to get software explicitly excluded from [[patentable subject matter]].
  
 
==Algorithms==
 
==Algorithms==
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* [[1-click shopping]]
 
* [[1-click shopping]]
  
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gA9yAR  <a href="http://gicembyfwdzi.com/">gicembyfwdzi</a>, [url=http://bdobuflapdga.com/]bdobuflapdga[/url], [link=http://rgnkdhekskov.com/]rgnkdhekskov[/link], http://ubyodkslhtni.com/
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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
  
 
==Related pages on {{SITENAME}}==
 
==Related pages on {{SITENAME}}==
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[[Category:Understanding the patent system]]
 
[[Category:Understanding the patent system]]

Revision as of 07:44, 4 June 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" is a patent on an idea that can be implemented in software on a computer.

A patent on improving the braking of a car by configuring the car to use "anti-lock braking" would not be a software patent; it requires a car. On the other hand, someone writing a computer game involving cars would not be running any patent risk.

This includes patents on algorithms, file formats, and communication protocols. In a broad sense, it can include game patents, business methods, and network services.

For one attempt to describe this in a way suitable for legislation, see the EU 2005 proposed amendments.

To abolish software patents, we need to get software explicitly excluded from patentable subject matter.

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

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