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Story: Lobbyists prepare for next software patent battle

Posted by: P.L.Hayes (Monday 23 January 2006, 8:23 PM)

In the "Intellectual Property Watch" article ( at http://xrl.us/jo5b ), SAP's IP Director, Guenther Schmalz, is reported as saying, “And I hope this time we will be better prepared."

Prepare all you like Mr. Schmalz and good luck to you, but know this: software patents are about as justifiable economically as 'intelligent design' is scientifically, the arguments for them equally irrational and unfounded. You will be opposed by people capable of describing themselves as being "pro-free market" without irony, by people who despise to see deliberately deceptive legislation drafted and by people who do not wish to see the patent system made to work against its fundamental aims. So long as proper democratic and political process will be the means by which this matter is decided, you will not find your goal any easier to achieve than it was the last time.