4 ms·

Question: does anyone know if software patents were declared null and void, would this case still exist? It seems he only took snippets of code and not the ent

by poof131 13y ago

Question: does anyone know if software patents were declared null and void, would this case still exist? It seems he only took snippets of code and not the entire system for profit. How would this case differ if software was copyrightable but not patentable (i.e. Either you stole the manuscript or you didn't)?

Amadou 13y ago
I doubt patents have anything to do with this. Patents restrict use, copyright restricts copies. AFAIK, he didn't actually run the 'stolen' software, only copied it.
Mikeb85 13y ago
Doesn't matter. Open source licences, patents, nothing matter. Code on the employer's computer is considered property, copying it is the same as stealing the actual workstation...
wglb 13y ago
Trade secrets are an entirely different category from patents. Patents require you to disclose all the details. Trade secrets, which is likely what such software is likely to be declared to be, is, well, secret. As such, it has legal protection different than patents or copyrights.