[Linux-aus] linux-aus Digest, Vol 9, Issue 48

[Ian Callahan]

On Tue, 2007-12-25 at 12:00 +0000, linux-aus-request at lists.linux.org.au
wrote:

> > Randall Crook wrote:
> > >  >The point about patents is that they are one of the planks on which our
> > >  >economy rests.  Like them or loath them, we have to live with them
> > >  >unless and until the system is changed.
> > >
> > > Isn't that whole point of FOSS, Linux-aus etc? Change the system? 
> > > Introduce a new way of looking and dealing with software?
> > 
> > Yes, it is the point of FOSS, but we are not there yet.  We still live 
> > in a patent world.
> > 
> > 
> 
> The point about patents (to me) is that some of us are old enough to remember
> a time when there was no such thing as a software patent. That changed, I can't
> recall exactly when but, around 1990. Until then the world turned once every 24
> hours or so, just as it does now, and most were content with copyright as
> protection for software products.
> 
> It could be that way again, if we with the will can convince those with the power
> that it was and would be better that way. Mind you, I wouldn't like to have 
> the task of drafting the legislation for the transition arrangements. That
> is probably the hardest part now - undoing the damage done in the past 15 years
> or so.