en-us http://www.intensedebate.com/users/2181 Comments by Reinier Bakels http://www.feld.com/wp/archives/2007/11/the-end-software-patents-coalition.html#IDComment38888 I do believe that &quot;software patents&quot; are the worst form of legal extortion that exists. Still, for a successful opposition against such patents, eventually the question must be answered what is in and what is out. The US courts struggled from 1973-1998 to draw that line, and then opened the floodgates. The EU courts still struggle with the &quot;technical contribution&quot; criterion which is a confusing pretext to make arbitrary decisions. <br />Imho a fundamental change in patent philosophy is needed. The question is *not*: does this alleged inventor deserve a patent, *but*: can he survive market competition without legal protection? In the capitalist economy, imitation (preferably improved) is the rule and protection should only be applied in rare circumstances. Patent protection is for losers! Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:56:13 +0000 http://www.feld.com/wp/archives/2007/11/the-end-software-patents-coalition.html#IDComment38888