At it’s heart, software is “numbers” or “words” in a programming language. Like music, or books it should be possible to hold copyright on a certain sequence of these numbers, notes or words, for a length of time, but you shouldn’t be allowed to patent them.
Well for some reason in the 90’s somebody decided to start allowing software patents. Patents, in my opinion should be reserved for physical items of special design or purpose.
Allowing patents on software would be like allowing Carry Underwood to hold the patent on Country Music. No one else would be able to write or sing Country Music with out first getting permission from Carry Underwood. Crazy Isn’t it?
But that’s just what has been happening in Software, specific Code, Graphic User Interfaces, Program types, Operating methods and so in has been patented in really vague in near imposable to interpret terms, making the development of new software more of a legal battle than a conceptual one. It’s also spawned a new business model based on trolling software patents and starting law suits.
Well now, finally Red Hat is taking a case to the supreme court to try and get this changed.
“The scope of patentable subject matter is an issue of critical importance to the future development of all software, including open source. The Supreme Court’s Bilski decision could clarify the law and lessen the risks that innovation will be hindered by patents.”
This is outstanding news, and well over due. Cheers to Red Hat, your efforts are worth while win or lose, but here is to hoping you win.
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