ESP Wiki is looking for moderators and active contributors!
Software patents harm SMEs
Revision as of 22:48, 28 May 2009 by Ciaran (talk | contribs) (Statements from CEA-PME * Statements from UEAPME)
During the EU lobbying, representatives of small and medium enterprises were against software patents.
SMEs can't afford to get patents.
The patent grant process is too slow. SMEs have to get to profitability quickly to survive.
SMEs can't afford to defend themselves against patent litigation, even if they're sure the patent is invalid.
Statements
CEAPME is a union representing 500,000 SMEs:
UEAPME is a union representing 11 million SMEs:
- http://wiki.ffii.org/Ueapme050427En
- http://ueapme.com/docs/press_releases/pr_2005/050621_Computer_Patent.pdf
Studies
- Rethinking the European ICT agenda "...most small enterprises are strongly opposed."
- Innovation in Germany, Windows of opportunity "...SMEs are crucial providers of pathbreaking innovations, but would be most adversely affected by patentability...."
See also
- Bijlage: Aanbieding rapport Rethinking the European ICT agenda - mentions that SMEs oppose software patents
- Innovation in Germany, Windows of opportunity - mentions harm to SMEs
- Statements from CEA-PME
- Statements from UEAPME