[Novalug] Microsoft demands royalties for open-source software

[Angelo Bertolli]

Herminio Hernandez wrote:
> I am not against intellectual property rights, if someone invented
> somthing they should have the right if they wish to profit off it. i
> realize there is a debate as to where software fits into all this. i
> will be to anyone thoughts on the matter.
>   

Well the word "property" is misleading, but yes, protection of unique 
and inventive ideas does have it's place in the world, I think.  It 
helps to encourage people to do more things.  But it's being done wrong 
these days.  When it comes to software especially, it's been too easy to 
get a patent for not doing something very inventive.  The length of time 
software should be "protected" shouldn't be the same as other things 
either because of the nature of computing:  it moves too fast.  Those 
are probably the two most important problems with software patents.

-- 
Angelo Bertolli
[Tech http://bitfreedom.com | Gaming http://heroesonly.com]