You might say this question was once simple, but is no longer. A one word answer will not do...this is particularly so with regard to software (software, by definition, involves the practical application of algorithms).
I suspect the person who posed the question may not have posed it as precisely as it should have been stated. (I saw the restated question, not the original post). If you are developing a software program, you may indeed want to look into whether your application of an algorithm is patentable. The landmark State Street Bank case issued by the Federal Circuit held that the practical application of an algorithm IS patentable statutory subject matter. While the question whether any given software program may be patentable involves additional questions State Street Bank removed a rather large barrier. I express no comment on whether this is a good thing. In fact, neither Martha Stewart nor the Supreme Court has indicated whether this is a good thing. Rod Rod Dixon Visiting Assistant Professor of Law Rutgers University Law School - Camden www.cyberspaces.org [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > If you are asking "can an algorithm be both copyrighted and > patented?" > > No. > > -- > patrik_wallstrom->foodfight->[EMAIL PROTECTED]>+46-709580442 > > -- > license-discuss archive is at http://crynwr.com/cgi-bin/ezmlm-cgi?3 > -- license-discuss archive is at http://crynwr.com/cgi-bin/ezmlm-cgi?3
