EU software patents directive continues to 2nd reading

From Schoolforge-UK

Yesterday the EU Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee (known as JURI) voted on amendments to the EU software patents directive. The amendments were tabled by Michel Rocard, the former French prime minister, and were designed to close loopholes in the wording and prevent software patents. While a few of M. Rocard's amendments were accepted by the committee, most were voted down, leaving the software patents directive ("Directive on the Patentability of Computer Implemented Inventions") substantially unchanged, with wording that many feel will permit US-style software patents across Europe.

The directive now moves to its second reading in the EU Parliament on 5th July. It is still be possible for MEPs to table amendments, including those needed to close the loopholes that allow software patents, so lobbying MEPs is now the only action that anyone can take to stop software patents in Europe. You may be concerned to know that MEPs of all the major UK parties (except Greens and UKIP) are supporting the directive in its present form. They appear to have accepted the arguments of the very active industry-based pro-swpat lobbying effort, which can afford to maintain representatives in Brussels. Liberal Democrat voters should be particularly concerned that LibDem MEPs are voting contrary to the party line in UK, which is against software patents.

The present situation is covered by this FFII report and a FT article. Richard Stallman has also written a very clear article in today's Guardian to explain the consequences of software patents, which include the additional burden of patent searches and legal costs on all software development, as well as royalty payments for implementing many software applications.

There is not much time left.
John Ingleby 10:26, 21 Jun 2005 (BST)