Political Theory

Re: Venture Capitalists Lobby Against Software Patents

Bogart — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:06:04 GMT

Yeah, given the incredible amount of evidence that the lives of the people of the world have greatly improved using products from the "Open Source", "Freeware", blogosphere, etc, I fully expect the US Cabal of 9 Lords in funny clothes who sanctify all laws to opine that we really need an expansive copyright and patent system to protect "innovators" (Large software conglomerates who are losing market share to more nimble competitors and want to keep their profits coming).

Re: Venture Capitalists Lobby Against Software Patents

scineram — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:16:59 GMT

Souldn't they explain the massive innovation that took place without software patents?

Venture Capitalists Lobby Against Software Patents

DannyM — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:37:36 GMT

http://yro.slashdot.org/story/10/06/07/1930220/Venture-Capitalists-Lobby-Against-Software-Patents

"No matter which side the US Supreme Court's Bilski decision pleases, it will be just the beginning of the software patent debate in the USA — the other side will start a legislative battle. The lobbying has already begun, with venture capitalist Brad Feld arguing against software patents, mailing a copy of Patent Absurdity to 200 patent policy setters. As Feld puts it, 'Specifically, I'm hoping the film will bring you to an understanding of why patents on software are a massive tax on and retardant of innovation in the US.' The patent lawyers and big patent holders often tell us that patents are needed to secure investment, so it's interesting to see now that venture capitalists are refuting that. And Brad Feld isn't the only vocal one; there's a growing list."