Battleangel

It’s been awhile since I’ve heard anything from the corridors of power. Well, the European parliament is busy drafting a new version of the directive while the commission has no plans to pull the current patent directive. It is due to be voted on June 20. After that, if the document is ratified by parliament and the commission wont budge, we can expect a conciliation between the two. Something that, due to laymen debating it, hopefully will also be bad for the industry.

Background:

The issue is seen as vital for the future of IT innovation in the E.U. with large technology companies like Nokia Corp., Philips Electronics NV and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson arguing that without patent protection European companies will shift their research and development (R&D) spending to parts of the world with tougher intellectual property protection rules. Open-source software developers like Red Hat Inc. and MySQL AB argue that they will be shut out of the market by a heavy regime of patent protection. Sun Microsystems Inc. is also concerned that the directive should not be so strict in its definition of patent protection that it prevents interoperability.

Source: ITworld

As I’ve said before, it is doubtful that Ericsson et al even understand how patents work. You obviously need valid patents in the markets where you aim to sell your products. Not where they are developed. So, it’s one big empty or ignorant threat. The industry obviously don’t need run-of-the-mill patent laws. They need laws that enable them to hamper the competition and/or coerce consumers. If they can’t do that, there’s nothing in it for them. Hence their desperation.

It’s more obvious than ever who acts as a front for corporate interests. Namely the commission. The parliament however is still acting with the youthful and democratic optimism of relatively green participants in the EU governing body. That will change over time I am sure. Power will corrupt if it hasn’t already. So savour the moment gentlemen. And hope that there is still integrity left for a final battle.