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> Software patents are such an obvious incumbrance to programmers true for those looking to copy or re-implement something they see from others. For programme
by sweeney2014 13y ago
> Software patents are such an obvious incumbrance to programmers
true for those looking to copy or re-implement something they see from others. For programmers looking to innovate or do something completely new and need a way to fund it - completely the opposite. Patents provide the programmer support in convincing investors to fork over their cash since smart investors recognize the R&D will even in the worst case scenario (e.g. startup goes bankrupt) result in a patent which can be transferable or monetized.
This is a perfect example. The 80+ issued patents and 53+ pending patents have provided the original investors a return on their investments. The engineers got funded and got to work on what they wanted, while the investors got rewarded. Both are satisfied and will likely continue on again.
- _puk 13y agoThe sheer number of patents involved, and the generality of said patents is what discourages future innovation. It's a complete first man advantage, anyone coming after that has to deal with the fact that 130+ patents already exist. Sure, some of these are probably extremely valid, but seriously, 130+? So we've got some revolutionary new technique that allows real-time visualisation direct onto the user's retina, your brain can't distinguish it from reality.. Yeah, but the user is seeing something that's not physically present? Got that one covered. Pay up.
- sweeney2014 13y agoPatents block copying only exactly what's covered by the Claims and thereby encourage finding alternatives or develop new ways. Society benefits from having alternatives to choose from.