[pp.int.general] Patent system similar to GPL?

[Richard Stallman]

    The main goal of a patent is to ensure the privileged exploitation of
    particular production method or a particular procedure for doing
    something.

That is the _method_ of the patent system.  Its _goal_ is to promote
progress by encouraging the disclosure of an idea.

	       USA different because they allow to patent an idea or concept
    (for example : a click). In Europe the system is -fortunately- quite
    different ; to get a patent, you have to demonstrate how it works in a
    verify detailed manner (plans, description, aso.) so the patent office may
    verify that it's an original idea.

I think you are mistaken: a US patent is also required to show
detailed plans.  These plans were supposed to enable others to build
such a device (if only they were allowed to).  However, nowadays, the
detailed plans generally describe a device that would not work very
well.  Thus, lots of information necessary for really using the idea
remains secret.

-- 
Dr Richard Stallman
President, Free Software Foundation
51 Franklin St
Boston MA 02110
USA
www.fsf.org, www.gnu.org