As reported by News.com the EU has allowed changes to the wording of the proposed directive on software patents.
These changes are going to cause absolute anarchy in the European software industry, with major players engaging in patent wars over software, exactly like in the US at the moment.
Also, software patenting destroys the industry as it removes innovation and the ability to progress. Smaller developers can no longer mimic techniques used in software that is patented (even if the code is original), they can’t even improve on it because e they may not be able to afford to license the technology in the first place. This is a terrible situation which will lead to a stagnant industry as developers become “afraid” to produce anything in case it infringes on someone’s patent and they get sued.
Well done to Germany for coming out and stating that they will “not” support software patenting.
