I think this document can be used
as-is to explain our concerns about software patents in EU.
"Patents Out of Control?"
USA Today (01/13/04) P. 1B; Davidson, Paul
http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20040113/5832337s.htm
Industry
and government officials agree that the clearest sign of a patent
system running amuck is surging numbers of patent lawsuits, which are
becoming problematic for companies large and small and are threatening
to stifle technological innovation. Critics charge that many patents at
the center of such lawsuits--of which those covering software and
business methods are among the most notorious--are obscure or false,
but are being approved by a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
ill-equipped to thoroughly research the validity of vast numbers of
patent applications. "Very bad patents are...draining millions of
dollars that could be spent on finding a better mousetrap," notes
lawyer Mark Banner. Approximately 180,000 patents were awarded by the
PTO in 2002, while about 700 more patent examiners need to be hired to
manage a backlog of 500,000 applications, according to officials. Bad
patents are bad news to small companies that lack the financial
resources to weather lawsuits, while larger companies must divert
research funds to build patent portfolios to protect them from
opportunistic patent holders. Critics contend that the patent system
has given rise to new kinds of companies that exist for the sole
purpose of stockpiling patents and collecting royalties, without
injecting anything into the economy.[...]
--
Brent Frère
Private e-mail: Brent@BFrere.net
Postal address: 5, rue de Mamer
L-8280 Kehlen
Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
European Union
Mobile: +352-021/29.05.98
Fax: +352-26.30.05.96
Home: +352-307.341
URL: http://BFrere.net