|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | {{navbox}}
| + | IwFTZQ <a href="http://yuptvtwfaaqy.com/">yuptvtwfaaqy</a>, [url=http://gjtjekjulybd.com/]gjtjekjulybd[/url], [link=http://uunoayatastm.com/]uunoayatastm[/link], http://vyohulqjzvih.com/ |
| − | A patent is a 20 year monopoly on the use of an idea. It's a right to exclude others from using that idea (not a right for you to use the 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.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==Definitions==
| |
| − | | |
| − | A Software patent is a patent on an idea that can be implemented in software on a computer.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Put another way, it's a patent that can be infringed by writing or distributing software.
| |
| − | | |
| − | 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]].
| |
| − | | |
| − | ===Examples of what are NOT software patents===
| |
| − | | |
| − | 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.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ===Examples of software patents===
| |
| − | | |
| − | A computer game involving cars would not be running any patent risk, even the virtual cars in the game used [[Anti-lock braking example|anti-lock braking]].
| |
| − | | |
| − | This includes patents on algorithms, file formats, and communication protocols. In a broad sense, it can include game patents, [[business methods]], and network services.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====Algorithms====
| |
| − | | |
| − | Probably the clearest examples of software patents are patents on algorithms such as:
| |
| − | | |
| − | * [[RSA algorithm]]
| |
| − | * [[LZW algorithm]]
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==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.
| |
| − | | |
| − | * [[1-click shopping]]
| |
| − | | |
| − | ===External links about business methods===
| |
| − | * http://www.bannerwitcoff.com/articles/ecommerce.pdf
| |
| − | * http://www.chillingeffects.org/ecom/
| |
| − | * http://www.lawdit.co.uk/reading_room/room/view_article.asp?name=../articles/13july09(3)cranwaycase.htm
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==Related pages on {{SITENAME}}==
| |
| − | | |
| − | * [[How to read patents]]
| |
| − | * [[Costs of patenting]]
| |
| − | * [[Design patent]] - ''not'' the same as normal patents
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==External links==
| |
| − | * [http://www.softwarefreedom.org/resources/2008/foss-primer.html#x1-390004 SFLC's handbook explains patents and software patents]
| |
| − | * [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]
| |
| − | * [http://media.ffii.org/animation/How%20software%20patents%20work.ogg Video: How software patents work.ogg]
| |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | {{footer}}
| |
| − | [[Category:Understanding the patent system]]
| |
