KILKENNY -- For many reasons, including those articulated in the comments left behind on blog posts I've published, I believe software patents are a bad idea. Europe has avoided the spate of patent litigation that runs rampant in the US. Back there, even Microsoft, a strong advocate for software patents in the EU, has called for patent reform. I've added my voice to the chorus representing an economic majority against software patents in Europe. If you care about innovation, competitiveness and the importance of making things better, you should voice your opinion as well. In Ireland, the MEPs need to hear from people in the industry. As it stands, the lobby groups have gained an upper hand above the fold in newspapers and on nightly news programmes. They often have never programmed software and wouldn't mind settling down with solutions devised by mainstream corporates. This is not the best way to conduct business in a world dependent upon innovative ICT. We need a patent-free existence for software. I'm in sync with many Irishblogs. We know that system is the best way forward for innovation in the field.
Recommended: Declare your interest with the Economic Majority. Then make a point of seeing, calling or writing your MEP.
Previously seen by IrishEyes -- "Richard Stallman on software patents"