From: Ben Goertzel (ben@intelligenesis.net)
Date: Sun Oct 29 2000 - 09:09:01 MST
Basically then, Samantha, we are in something very close to vehement
agreement ;>
I agree that the patent office has handled software patents in a ridiculous
and
counterproductive way. In fact, as a company, this is one reason why it's
necessary
to obtain patents. No one takes you seriously unless you've patented a lot
of things.
And if someone wants to sue you for patent infringement, you're best off if
you can countersue
("Sure, I violated your patent on using mouse clicks together with a visible
arrow. But, you
violated my patent on using the English language in a computer environment!"
... "Oh, I guess you're
right. We'll call it even....")
I think it would be great if there were a practical way to do large-scale
development without
so much secrecy... I just don't know what that way is. While we're at it,
I think it would be
great if there were a practical way to make people stop murdering each other
too... but the solution
to that one has also eluded me...
The bright side is: At least the patent office can't get much MORE inept at
handling software....
And fortunately, all the bogus software patents are not enforced, or all
software development would
have to halt while the government came to its senses....
ben
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