UK Patent Office To Start Public Consultation

Stefane Fermigier writes: "The Patent Office in the UK has just launched its own consultation exercise to determine whether or not patents should be granted for all computer programs and methods of doing business. This is in parallel with the European Commission's consultation exercise and to EuroLinux's meta-consultation. Says Steve Probert, Deputy Director of the UK Patent Office: "If anyone (particularly interested parties in the UK) has any views on this subject, the Patent Office would be very interested to hear them.""

They sound serious

[mickwd]

From looking at the article, it looks like they're taking a serious look at the issues involved.

They've even set up a newsgroup [patent.gov.uk].

They're not just interested in UK opinions either - they explicitly ask about experience with the US position on patents, and mention the wider european debate.

If you intend to respond (please do) please note the following: "This is a public consultation exercise. As such, your comments will also be made public unless you make clear in responding that you want them to remain confidential".

The UK patent office is in a good position to have a strong influence on the European patent issue, which appears finely-balanced as to whether software patents will be allowed in future (see here [eurolinux.org]). If Europe rejects software patents, then it puts more pressure on the US to change its position. Especially if it makes Europe more competitive as a result (more competition, freer exchange of technology, less need to pay the salaries of "Chief Intellectual Property Officers", etc.).

Online discussion...

[joshuaos]

I think it's a very good and positive thing when a government asks people for feedback and input. Maybe they should start a slash [slashcode.org] (or some other) site to ask questions like that on a regular basis. ;-)

Joshua