ESP Wiki is looking for moderators and active contributors!
Software patents
Revision as of 02:22, 12 April 2010 by Ciaran (talk | contribs) (→Related pages on {{SITENAME}}: * Design patent - ''not'' the same as normal patents)
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.
Contents
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
- 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 ESP Wiki
- How to read patents
- Costs of patenting
- Design patent - not the same as normal patents