Cedric, name a single industry that benefits in some measurable way from patents and there are dozens that exist and thrive without patents.
The only industry i can easily determine that benefits from patents is the medical industry. I personally would judge that in the vast majority of cases few if any software companies have defended their position or properties using patents. On the other hand a lot of small software startups are prevented, distracted from concentrating on their forte, software and waste their time, money because of patents. Patents are an artificial idea invented to help the large companies keep the status quo. Software companies fade because they stop bringing to market new ideas or ignoring customers. In the end big companies always manage to get around ideas or concepts that are supposed to be patented, by a variety of means. If we were to analyse most of the exciting and important companies in something like software, few if any remain because of patents, but rather they continue to listen, improve and innovate. Patents in software are worthless because a large company can always work around the problem, by buying a license, fighting in court or just changing things enough to be different. Patents are in themselves bullshit inventions that have no value. The real value to the market place is of course innovation and technical excellence. The more you can concentrate on the later rather than the former the better said company will thrive. Patents are the tools of the scoundrel. Its no surprise that patent trolls exist, and its no surprise companies that specialise in such action never actually build something positive. This very action is further proof that there is nothing positive to be gained from them. They are an artificial invention and i am confident that you or anyone else cannot prove the opposite. Part of the problem is of course the patent office is out of their league in processing applications. This too demonstrates how the system has failed and why its bullshit and an outdated concept, a bit like other ideas of past generations that are fading because hopefully people are more enlighted. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Java Posse" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/javaposse?hl=en.
