Open Source Firms Launch Anti-Software Patent Website

by Ulrika Lomas, for LawAndTax-News.com, Brussels

26 October 2004

In an escalation of the campaign to prevent the adoption of an US-style software patent system in Europe, several leading open source firms, including Red Hat and My SQL have launched a website designed to facilitate lobbying and public relations activities.

Speaking following the launch of the site on Wednesday, campaign manager Florian Müller argued that: "Software patents are used for anti-competitive purposes, stifle innovation, and would cost the entire economy and society dearly."

Commenting on the campaign's focus on transparency in the face of the continuing uncertainty over the issue in Europe, Müller went on to add that:

"Many governments and others spread misinformation about software patents and the directive, and our campaign will relentlessly debunk the untruths."

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