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posted by mpawlo
on Saturday June 14, @10:28AM
from the patently-absurd dept.
Labour MP Arlene McCarthy has replied to Stallman and Hills' article on software patents. Our computer use is being threatened by a wild west-style land grab that only the rich giants can win according to Richard M Stallman and Nick Hill. In a piece published by The Guardian Stallman and Hill argued that software patents will 'lead to job losses, higher prices, and less choice'. In her reply, MP McCarthy states that 'we must legislate to ensure our inventors are not put at a disadvantage in the global market place.'
Setting software patents aside for a moment, Ms. McCarthy has raised an interesting point. The United States is more actively passing legislation on IP than anyone I can think of. Because of multi-national corporations and improvements in transportation and communication, laws and cultures of super powers effect each other. Whichever direction Europe takes, they need to act sooner rather than later to ensure that they are able to decide for themselves. If Europe sits on its hands, it may well be forced to take (harmonize) with the U.S., whereas if both sides bring legislation to the table Europe will be able to instead have the U.S. harmonize with them.
Ms. McCarthy doesn't seem particularly powerful or informed; I doubt she will have much say, but the effects of a global economy are very real.
Personally, I've always preferred John and Ringo anyway.
What's the fuss all about?
Humanity has the stars in its future, and that future is too important to be
lost under the burden of juvenile folly and ignorant superstition.
- Isaac Asimov
GrepLaw
