arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

Software is currently protected by copyright but there is a project for a European directive to legalize patents on software (com 2002-092). Although many Members of Parliament are aware that the patent system is not suitable for software, the rapporteur Arlene Mc Carthy (UK, Labour) is in favour.

If Europe would adopt a system similar to the American system, 30.000 software patents waiting to be legalized would be enforced. Patents favour huge companies that can afford a legal department, therefore harming small and medium-sized enterprises that create most of the innovation in the IT field. Patents are expensive, cause a lot of administrative work, are granted slowly and for a long period, while the life cycle of software is short ... Moreover, patents kill the free and open source software. The patent system does not fit software. Software is already protected by copyright. Why is our industry the ONLY industry that needs to be punished with a double Intellectual Property 'protection' system??

We call on software developers, software companies, and all those who support copyright protection for software to come and address a clear signal to the European legislative body, shortly before the final vote takes place. After the conference a joyful gathering on the theme "Free ideas for a Free World" with street theater and a buffet lunch is planned in front of the Parliament Place du Luxembourg

Software patents – Obstacles to software development