Re: [Pan-users] VDQ Re: Policy discussion: GNKSA

[Paul Crawford]

On 09/07/11 12:25, Steven D'Aprano wrote:
<snip>
> In other words: Microsoft is not behaving badly, for a corporation.

A very relative measure!

Still, if you look at Apple they are similar in behaviour with regard to 
IP, and Oracle is doing much the same having bought over Sun 
Microsystems and using their patents to litigate thier way to higher 
profits.

At least those companies actually make stuff. The worst are the low life 
trolls who sue for 'damages' when they don't have any products and sell 
nothing using the IP, but somehow feel that sitting on (under?) other's 
abandoned work makes it their right to get compensation.

Considering that the period for patent protection was set in the era 
when products had 10-20 lifetimes in production, and now we see 1-2 
years typical, there is a strong case for lowering the time limit 
dramatically. But it won't happen, as those with the money (and thus are 
listened to by governments) want to keep the status quo.

Regards,
Paul