Weekly Edition
Return to the Front page
| |||||||||||||
European software patents get closer
Toward the end, it appeared that the European Council might not approve
software patents after all. Representatives of the German and Italian
governments had expressed reservations, and an objection from Luxembourg
forced a discussion on what was supposed to be a fast-track vote. But, on
May 18, the Council voted in favor of a patent directive which strips
out the European Parliament's changes, and which thus legitimizes software
patents in Europe.
Believe it or not, this lengthy process is still not complete, however. The directive must return to the Parliament one last time for final approval; this vote is likely to happen sometime in the (northern hemisphere) autumn. If the Parliament rejects the Council's draft, then some sort of compromise will be hammered out. Thus, it is not time for anti-patent activists to rest, even though they are likely to be tired and discouraged. Software patents in Europe are not yet a done deal, but heading them off will require efforts to educate members of Parliament in all EU member countries. It is also worth remembering that elections to the Parliament are happening in June. Voter turnout in European Parliament elections tends to be low, so those who do vote have a relatively strong voice. If you are able to vote in these elections, you may want to consider learning the candidates' positions on software patents and voting accordingly. There is yet time to make a difference on this issue. (Log in to post comments)
European software patents get closer Posted May 20, 2004 6:28 UTC (Thu) by Duncan (guest, #6647) [Link] As I posted in a comment when the daily news report of this came out, it'sentirely possible, if concerned citizens get active on this, that what looks like defeat now may actually become the political turning point for free software, marking it as a political force to be reckoned with. As the article mentions, the European Parliament's final vote on this should be sometime this fall (northern hemisphere, where Europe is, of course), with intervening Parliamentary elections just next month (June). It's time for free software supporters to contact their candidates NOW, and make their opinion known. Talk to your friends and family and even if they do NOT understand all the issues, get them to ask what the candidate's position on software patents is and why. Because so few normally participate, one inquiry tends to be counted as 10 likely voters, 20 or more potential voters. Again, with so few normally voting, that makes a HUGE difference. It's possible this could be a HUGE issue on the political radar, if EVERY PERSON INTERESTED at least asks their candidates about it, even if you have other things you consider important and will be voting on as well. NOBODY can be spared! What makes this even MORE interesting is that if it becomes the big issue in Europe it COULD be this summer, with US elections following in November, it could carry over and become a big issue in US elections as well. With European help, we have the chance to reverse the trend over here in the US, as well. It has already shown signs of slowing, with many expressing doubts on the original DMCA, and additional DMCA strengthening moves gaining little if any traction, recently, outside of their industry bought and paid for congresspeople. If the issue can be made to show on the political radar in Europe, it'll give a boost to those seeking to reverse the legal situation here in the US as well. Thus, this current small defeat has the potential to turn 2004 into the year open source was recognized as a viable political reality, a force to be reckoned with. 2004 could become the year historians will be referring to for decades as the turning point. Please contact your candidates now, and help it happen! Duncan
RMS in London with MEP candidates, this Friday Posted May 20, 2004 12:57 UTC (Thu) by j_heald (guest, #15398) [Link] Richard Stallman will be giving one hour talk this Friday on software patentsThe talk will then be followed by round table comments and discussion by Euro-candidates from all of the political parties. Come along, and tell them what you think. Richard StallmanThe event is free, and all are welcome. It's a 300 seater lecture theatre, and this has had to be organised at the last minute, so help us get the word out. Let's show the candidates that swpat is something we really care about.
RMS in London with MEP candidates, this Friday Posted May 21, 2004 15:32 UTC (Fri) by pointwood (guest, #2814) [Link] Cool - sadly I'm from Denmark, so I can't just "drop by" :(Will it be available on the net at some time?
RMS in London with MEP candidates, this Friday Posted May 22, 2004 9:59 UTC (Sat) by erwbgy (subscriber, #4104) [Link] It was announced that a transcript of the talk will be posted on the FFIIwebsite. There was also a guy with a video camera there, but I don't know if the video will be made available - perhaps an editted version. This will definitely be worth reading. RMS provided some really good reasons why software idea patents will cause harm. I particularly liked the analogy comparing software with symphony composition and what effect symphony idea patents would have had on the development of the world's great compositions. The Greens and the Lib Dems sent representatives. The Lib Dem party policy is against software idea patents, but some of their MEPs have been voting for them anyway. The Greens haven't made their minds up yet but seem to be pretty much against. A position statement from the Tories was read out and they are in favour of software idea patents. No word on what the Labour position is, but I'd expect that they would be in favour too. A journalist from New Scientist was there (and gave RMS her business card) so perhaps this issue will get the wider coverage that we're hoping for.
|
|||||||||||||