[LINK] Fwd: Open letter on abolishing software patents ...

[Stephen Wilson]

I don't agree with the campaign against "software patents".  
Fundamentally, programmed logic is equivalent to wired logic.  If you 
take a computer-plus-program that does something and put it in a black 
box with connextions to the outside world, it's not possible to tell 
from the outside whether the device internally is software driven or 
electronic (or clockwork for that matter). 

So just what is a "software" patent?  What's to stop an inventor taking 
their code and burning it into a gate array or custom chip?  And what 
problem are they actually trying to solve by way of a ban?

Cheers,

Stephen Wilson
Lockstep Group

www.lockstep.com.au <http://www.lockstep.com.au>
Lockstep Consulting provides independent specialist advice and analysis
on digital identity and privacy.  Lockstep Technologies develops unique
new smart ID solutions that enhance privacy and prevent identity theft.


Roger.Clarke at xamax.com.au wrote:
> Subject: Open letter on abolishing software patents: Thanks for signing!
> Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:07:12 -0000
> From: Ben Sturmfels <ben at softwarefreedom.com.au>
>
> Dear Roger,
>
> Thanks for signing the letter on abolishing software patents in
> Australia.
>
> Could you do us one more favour? Explain to a colleague that you're
> concerned about software patents and encourage them to sign the
> letter. Every voice counts.
>
> http://apps.softwarefreedom.com.au/patents/
>