Re: Software Patent Concerns => New Black Markets?

[Georg Bauhaus <sb463ba@d2-hrz.uni-duisburg.de>]

Robert C. Leif <rleif@rleif.com> wrote:
: Why do you want a system that discriminates against software inventors? If I
: invent a new chemical or use for that chemical or clinical instrument, I can
: receive significant royalties.

Patents, and software patents in particular, are not just about
protecting inventors. It looks like in software business, you need
a portfolio of patents in order to be able to negotiate agreements
with other holders of patent portfolios. If you do not look at
just one software inventor, but many, then when everything is patented
you will have to check whether writing software is still possible,
or whether you are in no good position to start negotiations about
the use of patented algorithms.

If there is a mapping from the set of software developers to the
set of wheighted cardinalities of their software portfolios, then
it becomes clear who will be able to write profitable software.

An individual might think that patents will provide him or her
with a reward, but, uninteded consequence, it will also provide
him or her with the requirement to pay fees when it comes to many
individuals.

: Again, what you propose is the poverty, chastity, and obedience
: nonsense. Most of the capitalists really like getting technology for free. I
: still favor all power to the technocrats.

Software patents won't protect you from the mechanics of capitalism,
if you look at how companies deal with patents today.

Do you pay craftspeople? If so, why? Do you pay developers of
Free software? If not, why not?


Georg