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Re: [LUG] Software Patents: EU votes for Restart

 

On Saturday 05 February 2005 3:41 pm, Robin Cornelius wrote:
As for restarting, the DTI and the Patent Office are holding workshops and
I quote:-

"These workshops 

were initiated as a direct result of the DTI Conference on the directive back 
in October, which in turn was initiated as a *direct* response to letters 
from individuals. At the conference, Lord Sainsbury made a clear and 
unambiguous commitment to these workshops and specified (at the time) that 
ONLY those who attended the DTI Conference would be likely to be invited.

are intended to explore the definition of 'technical 
contribution' and test ideas against possible innovations.

i.e. these will be technical workshops, anyone considering attending OR 
providing input should join the FFII and READ some existing software patents. 
Get a handle on the language, rate and review existing (granted) patents that 
would become enforceable if the UK Patent Office stance is written into law.

http://www.ffii.org/ffii-cgi/aktiv?l=en

Participate, adopt a patent (read and review it), get an understanding of the 
problems.

"Analyze and categorize European patents 
Analyze European logic patents that have already been granted!

Together we are collecting a database, that allows to quickly locate industry 
sector and application specific examples."

Here are some of mine:
http://swpat.ffii.org/pikta/txt/ep/0066/674/
http://swpat.ffii.org/pikta/txt/ep/0160/306/
http://swpat.ffii.org/pikta/txt/ep/0249/106/
http://swpat.ffii.org/pikta/txt/ep/0544/542/

They will be 
open to all those from the UK who have an interest in this technical
issue."

It's encouraging to see it being opened up as well as taking place across the 
country.

So its important that lots of people attend and that we continue to fight
against the SW patents,

Precisely. I will be able to attend the Bristol meeting. Anyone who cannot 
attend but who would like to contribute, please:
1. Add your own content to the software patents page on the Wiki for all to 
comment - use a new page and a link if it's lots. OR
2. email me directly with a full and reasoned statement of your position. I 
will put it forward on your behalf.

PLEASE make sure you have a handle on the language used by patent examiners 
and stick to logical / business / libertarian principles.

Patent examiners are the ones who will decide on these issues - they are not 
fools (all have technical or engineering BSc or higher qualifications) - but 
they MAY have been out of the industry for some time, may be unaware of 
certain developments in programming and software generally and ARE willing to 
accept help, when offered on a friendly and open basis.

BTW. The UK patent office is based in Cardiff - I am also (currently) 
available for that one and it may well be attended by lots more Patent 
Examiners. 

-- 

Neil Williams
=============
http://www.dcglug.org.uk/
http://www.nosoftwarepatents.com/
http://sourceforge.net/projects/isbnsearch/
http://www.neil.williamsleesmill.me.uk/
http://www.biglumber.com/x/web?qs=0x8801094A28BCB3E3

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