The age of software patents

Author

Nichols, Kenneth

Volume

32

Issue

4

fYear

1999

fDate

4/1/1999 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

25

Lastpage

31

Abstract

Current law treats software as just another invention. It is not. Software is a new kind of entity, with the ability to transform all other technologies, including the creative arts, politics, and economics. It therefore requires separate treatment. In less than two decades, software development has evolved from being a legally defenseless enterprise to one in which almost every innovation is a candidate for patent protection. This transition occurred with minimal fanfare and little industry awareness-except in the R&D departments of giant corporations, where most software patents were quietly being obtained. Because the software patent phenomenon is so recent, its long-term effects are still unknown. What is certain is that patents will play a pivotal role in shaping future software products and research. The paper discusses the essentials of patent law

Keywords

computer software; legislation; patents; law; software development; software patents; software products; Art; Computer industry; Defense industry; Engineering profession; Law; Multimedia databases; Programming; Protection; Research and development; Technological innovation;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Computer

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9162

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/2.755002

Filename

755002