Re: [registrars] Domain name related patents and patent applications
Whilst many European Registrars seem silent, some of us are having limited success in getting the EU law makers to start thinking and reject granting software-related patents: http://www.euractiv.com/cgi-bin/cgint.exe/78858-509?204&OIDN=1506085&-tt=ME I urge all Registrars with presence in Europe to contact their "local" MEP, and Commission Officials and make sure their voice is heard, failure to do so will almost certainly impact their business. It also may help US Registrars as it demonstrates software-related patents are unworkable. Best Paul Brief news: The vote is now scheduled for the next plenary session between 22 and 26 September. The Directive on the Patentability of Computer-Implemented Inventions, drafted by MEP Arlene McCarthy (PES), has elicited opposition from the Greens and the European Socialists, among others (see also EurActiv 29 August 2003 <http://www.euractiv.com/cgi-bin/cgint.exe/813521-759?714&1015=7&1014=p29083e>). Opponents argue that the new directive would institute a US-style patent regime, under which large companies can acquire unlimited software patents which can protect them from upstart competition. They say that the directive would have "serious detrimental effects on European innovation, growth and competitiveness". The Commission's original aim with the directive was to clarify EU-wide patenting rules as Member States currently have diverse criteria for accepting the validity of software-related patents. Rick Wesson wrote: On Fri, 5 Sep 2003, Jim Archer wrote:
|