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Various sources have reported on the EU Council decision to approve the “Software Patent Initiative”. The Motion now goes to second vote by European Parliament expected in June this year.

According vnunet, “the directive has been opposed by many in the open source community and smaller software developers, but welcomed by big business and UK politicians. Opposers fear it will lead to large companies patenting code to gain licensing revenues and to squeeze smaller developers out of the market. Supporters say it will allow companies to better protect their intellectual property.”

To learn more baout the issue check also the
Software Patents vs Parliamentary Democracy website where you can find an excellent visualisation on what could happen if the EU Council will approve this motion: Patented European webshop
“All of the elements and processes indicated in the graphic below are covered by granted (not just requested) European Patents. Such patents would be rendered enforceable by the directive in the versions adopted by the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee (JURI). The directive as voted by the whole European Parliament however, makes sure these patents remain what they are today: examples of the EPO’s drift towards unlimited patentability, without any legal value whatsoever.”