3 ms·
IMO banning patents on algorithms would be a better idea. They should not be suddenly be patentable just because it is implemented in hardware instead of softwa
by yuhong 10y ago
IMO banning patents on algorithms would be a better idea. They should not be suddenly be patentable just because it is implemented in hardware instead of software.
- AnimalMuppet 10y agoYou're arguing that "in an FPGA" doesn't make it any more patentable than "in a computer" does? That seems like a reasonable argument. But it's a big step to get the courts this far. (And, probably, another five years of fighting before this battle's really over.)
- indolering 10y agoWhile somewhat arbitrary, it does make for a nice dividing line. Hardware based businesses require a lot more capital investment upfront and don't offer the economies of scale that software does. More importantly, it's easier to convince the judges and politicians to strike down software patents.