On 13 Aug 2003 at 23:56, Ciaran O'Riordan wrote:
In Ireland, we've worked hard on the patents issue. The response we get is that they know the directive is bad but they don't want to vote against it, they want to amend it (so that the process won't have been a complete waste of time and money).
Precisely what I've been hearing. I've still pointed out that the "process" didn't bother consulting actual real engineers like the droves who have been writing in to complain. This says to me that the process is broken.
No matter how hard it is, we have to find a set of amendments that will make us happy. We then say to our MEPs "Unless amendments X, Y, and Z are passed, you must vote No". This gives us a chance to get a good law passed, and it gives our MEPs a firm reason to vote No if needs be.
If there were any chance it could be struck down, I'd be far happier. But sure, the one amendment changing the patenting from idea to implementation would utterly alter the impact of the law. A nice second amendment would be the total prohibiting of any monopoly of development of idea in software, then we could clean up those marginal cases from happening.
Does anyone know of a good/agreed set of amendments? I'll try to work out a set myself if no one knows. I think the Greens/EFA drafted an amendment, I'll start by looking for this one.
We must rally around one set of amendments rather than end up with 4 good amendments each getting a quarter of our support.
Agreed. However, I fear the real fight will be coming at the three year review stage where the multinationals will be pushing for much expanded ability to patent things and everyone else will be pushing the other way.
Ultimately I think only a large wodge of campaign money will make any difference as these things always do. And that'll only come from EU businesses getting it in the neck.
Cheers, Niall