[pp.int.general] software patents

[Reinier Bakels]

> Many pirates have a background in IT, and many were involved in the 
> political debate about software patents when the European directive for 
> "computer-implemented inventions" was on the table - from 2002 when it was 
> proposed by the Council, until 2005 when it was rejected by the European 
> Parliament.
>
> Recently I noted that there is some confusion on the priorities in the 
> field of patents in 2010. Some people still believe that software patents 
> are something very special that deserves special attention - and 
> disapproval.
> Those "some people" happen to include most of the official Pirate Parties' 
> representatives, as expressed in the respective party programs.
OK, then there is a reason to discuss! Is the pirate movement another 
incarnation of the so-called "Open Source Movement"? Of course it is not. 
Pirates also care about too much copyright, and about too little privacy. 
Why wouldn't pirates be ciritical to patents in other fields as well?
>
>
> In other words, I would propose that PP takes a critical stance on patents 
> in *all* fields, not specifically in software!
> That is definitely not a proposition that should be thrown around 
> leightweightedly in something like a mailing list:)

What other medium do you prefer? Should I write a letter on paper? Of 
course, I am fully aware that I am only in a position to make a proposal, 
and to defend it - I am not in a position to decide. I am prepared to 
explain my position. Hopefully we don't have any taboos.

reinier