tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post1220218221019744536..comments2024-03-28T16:45:51.051+00:00Comments on The IPKat: ProgressVerónica RodrÃguez Arguijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05763207846940036921noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-87272049882291853532010-05-25T10:34:51.856+01:002010-05-25T10:34:51.856+01:00"We have seen" is akin to the professori..."We have seen" is akin to the professorial technique known as proof by intimidation: "Thus, it is obvious..." <br /><br />From a purely technocratic perspective and within narrow parameters; that patented technology is unavailable to those that chose not to use it unarguable. <br /><br />However that the patent system seems to have been gamed into a horrible travesty of its intention (flawed or not) of promoting innovation is a societal issue not well addressed by technocratic arguments.<br /><br />On my favourite topic of software patents it is not clear to me that the arguments are complex. May I invite you to read "Maths you can't use" a bit more boring but better quality than the more entertaining "patently absurd" video available from the FSF.<br /><br />I thought the post by Amerikat regarding the NFL was particularly apposite as the Supremes are drawing attention to the possibility that collective exclusionary action (I'm thinking video codecs here...) might well be an issue for anti-trust.<br /><br />Then there is the question of over broad claims by the powerful and the $1m table stake with a further $3m if the defendant wants to stay in the game.<br /><br />A alternative software perspective (and I would suggest, more correctly framed) is buried on pages 84/85 of the Conservative Party's energy security policy paper (alas no longer obviously available from their website, but luckily I have a copy):<br /><br /> * Open networks - In making decisions on the renewal of transmission and distribution network infrastructure, our priority - as in the case of smart meter roll-out - will be to establish a flexible open platform for ongoing technological and business development.<br /><br />* Open standards - In establishing common technical and non-technical standards for the industry, our default position will be to play a supporting rather than a directing role. There may, however, be occasions on which direct involvement is necessary. For instance, where governments are involved in agreeing international standards; or if established industry players attempt to use proprietary standards to restrict competition and consumer choice.<br /><br />* Open markets - Wherever Government influences the shape of markets for smart grid technology and services, they are open the widest range of providers. This means that the measures we enact to rebuild Britain's energy security [...] - will be structured to enable smart grid based solutions to compete on equal terms with other <br />options.<br /><br />A supporting view was expressed on the news this morning on the subject of bio-engineering when fears were expressed that the group that have created artificial life (ish) will use the patent system to lock out other players. That seems like a really good idea to promote technical progress.Gentoohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05063939954837162413noreply@blogger.com