Hi,

I have a question about this case (german article): http://www.golem.de/0609/47577.html

Now, from what I know, software patents aren't allowed in europe (that's why we were demonstrating in front of the european parliament last spring and succeeded). So, why is it possible that a company takes legal action for patents on mp3-stuff? - Is this one of the "epa gives sw-patents although they're not allowed"-case? Then, why don't companies like sandisk take legal actions against the patent? - Is this in someway not considered "software"? - What else is going on there?

I never got a really competent answer on why the mp3-patent seems to be valid in europe, so I hope anyone here has deeper knowledge. I think it's important for free software projects like ffmpeg, mad or lame to have this situation cleared up.

cu,