hen writing about data compression, I am haunted by the idea that many of the techniques
iscussed in this book have been patented by their inventors or others. The knowledge that a data
ompression algorithm can effectively be taken out of the hands of programmers through the use of
o-called “intellectual property” law seems contrary to the basic principles that led me and many
thers into this profession.
have yet to see any evidence that applying patents to software advances that art or protects the
ights of inventors. Several companies continue to collect royalties on patents long after their
nventors have moved onto bigger and better thing with other companies. Have the patent-holders
one anything notable other than collect royalties? Have they advanced the art of computer science
aking a software product into a commercial success requires innovation, good design, high-qualit
ocumentation, and listening to customers. These are things that nobody can steal from you. On the
ther hand, a mountain of patents can’t keep you from letting these things slip away through
nattention or complacency. This lesson seems to be lost on those who traffic in intellectual propert
portfolios.”
hat can you do? First, don’t patent your own work, and discourage your peers from doing so.
ork on improving your products, not erecting legal obstacles to competition. Secondly, lobby for
hange. This means change within your company, those you do business with, and most importantl
ithin the federal government. Write to your congressman and your senator. Write to the ACM.
rite to the House Subcommittee on Intellectual Property. And finally, you can join me by
ecoming a member of the League for Programming Freedom. Write for more information:
League For Programming Freedom
1 Kendall Square #143
P.O. Box 9171
评论0
最新资源