This is of course just another argument against this law but also a reason to downplay the somehwat apocalyptic fears that occasionally arise around this topic.
Posisbly, but the mere threat of a lawsuit may be enough for some unscrupulous companies to force others into desired behavior (i.e. licensing, using 'out' products, etc.). This already happens without patents to enforce the issue (MS forcing companies to use certain products), so I have no doubts that patents will be used in this way.
Also, the absolute disregard for democracy that Bolkenstein is showing by being unwilling to accept the vote of the only democraticly chosen part of the EU, and resorting to what is nothing less than trickery (or should we say 'fraud') is shocking, especially since this seems to be acceptable behavior!
While I can, partly, understand that the media is uninterested in the patent problem, the undemocratic way in which this (and other laws) is handled certainly deserves attention in the media.
-- Pierre van Rooden Mediapark, C 107 tel. +31 (0)35 6772815 "Never summon anything bigger than your head."
