ESP Wiki is looking for moderators and active contributors!

Difference between revisions of "Software patents"

(Definitions)
(Definitions: These are areas that legislation, courts, and patent offices should exclude from patentable subject matter.)
Line 10: Line 10:
 
* [[Business methods]]
 
* [[Business methods]]
 
* Network services
 
* 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]].
 
Keeping in mind that we're using that broad definition of "software", you may be interested to read [[Why focus only on software]].

Revision as of 09:28, 4 February 2010

A patent is a 20 year monopoly on the use of an idea.

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

External links