Re: [Fsfe-uk] Fwd: [Fwd: [Free-sklyarov-uk] Patent office calling for comments]

[MJ Ray]

Brian Gough <address@hidden> wrote:
> At one of the FOSDEM sessions someone from Eurolinux (can't remember
> who, sorry) was saying that the best way for free software developers
> to oppose software patents was as part of industry-wide group
> (i.e. software patents reduce innovation), rather than from the free
> software position (i.e. software patents harm free software).

Surely these are the same point?

> Does anyone know what organized opposition there is to software
> patents outside the free software community in the UK?  

I'm not aware of any, but I probably just read the same trade press as the
rest of people in this business.  It would be interesting to find out what
position BCS (argh! frames!), socitm, chambers of commerce, etc are adopting
on this, but I can't easily find anything.  If we could get one of those on
board, it would be a massive step.  British Chambers do have an ICT and
e-business manifesto, but it doesn't even mention patents.  I guess I go
talk to my local chamber office three streets away to find out a bit more
next week...