I'm new to MUUG so I hope this isn't out of line for the mailing list...
As I'm sure most of you are aware, there has been a lot of activity recently in the European Union regarding software patents.
Understandably, many OpenSource advocates were mortified that the EU was considering passing a bill which many perceived as opening the door to software patents similar to the system currently in place in the US.
While I was thinking how grateful I am that I live in country without absurd software patent laws I suddenly had a horrifying thought... Exactly what is the state of software patents in Canada?
I have heard rumours the US is strong-arming other nations into adopting legislation similar to the DMCA so can software patents be far behind?
If there was a change to patent legislation in the works to allow software patents in Canada, would we be able to get organized enough to make our views known to legislators as they have done in the EU?
On the other hand, should we be waiting until legislation is already on the table, or is there something pro-active we can do?
On September 23, 2003 07:58 pm, John Lange wrote:
I'm new to MUUG so I hope this isn't out of line for the mailing list...
I gather as long as it's *NIX related or club related it's OK.
As I'm sure most of you are aware, there has been a lot of activity recently in the European Union regarding software patents.
Lots of activity apparently. It sounds as though some countries are reconsidering their approvals.
I have heard rumours the US is strong-arming other nations into adopting legislation similar to the DMCA so can software patents be far behind?
Wouldn't doubt it.
If there was a change to patent legislation in the works to allow software patents in Canada, would we be able to get organized enough to make our views known to legislators as they have done in the EU?
I gather there are elections coming up fairly soon. Militant *NIX users ought to make the news. ;-)
On the other hand, should we be waiting until legislation is already on the table, or is there something pro-active we can do?
I gather things surrounding the laws in question are in chaos now. I doubt anything will happen until the next election.
Later Mike
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John Lange -
Mike Pfaiffer