[pp.int.general] 3-step usage rights / forced licensing model

[Mikko Särelä]

On Thu, 5 Nov 2009, Richard Stallman wrote:
>     It happens pretty seldom that two people event exactly the same way to
>     solve a problem. And patent rights grant only a monopoly for a concrete
>     solution and not for a general idea.
> 
> I wish that were true.  However, the patent monopoly typically covers
> a somewhat general technique, not a concrete solution.

Actually, it is quite common for multiple people to invent exactly the 
same way to solve a problem within a short period of time. A lot of the 
time, understanding the problem makes a certain solution appear beneficial 
leading to multiple very similar solutions. 

Of course, your (Christian's) definition of exactly same may be different 
than mine. 

-- 
Mikko Särelä
"It is through exchange that difference becomes a blessing, not a
curse", Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain