Torvalds, Widenius, and Lerdorf against software patents [LWN.net]

Linus Torvalds, Michael Widenius and Rasmus Lerdorf have written an appeal to the EU Council against software patents in Europe. "At first sight, a patent appears to protect an inventor but the actual implications may be the opposite, dependent upon the field. Copyright serves software authors while patents potentially deprive them of their own independent creations. Copyright is fair because it is equally available to all. A software patent regime would establish the law of the strong, and ultimately create more injustice than justice."

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Torvalds, Widenius, and Lerdorf against software patents

Posted Nov 23, 2004 15:26 UTC (Tue) by dwalters (subscriber, #4207) [Link]

I must admit I'm shocked that the EU Council can even consider adopting the May 18th position later this week, given that not only is there no longer a qualified majority in the Council in favour of the position, but the German and Dutch parliaments have stated that they don't support the position either (i.e. their votes in May should now be treated as if they were against adopting the directive).

If the EU Council adopts the May 18 directive this week, it will be a massive slap in the face for European democracy (and surely something that can and should be vigorously appealed legally).