On Mon, Dec 16, 2002 at 06:27:22PM +0100, Arnoud Galactus Engelfriet wrote:
I can give you another definition of "invention": a practical realization of technology, wherein technology means an application of a natural science.
The economical consequences on granting patents for that type of inventions would be desasterous. Also the impact on the personal freedom, and the freedom of science. I wouldn't want to live in such a society.
The forces-of-nature concept was introduced into patent law to restrict patents to technical inventions, rather than new abstract and logical ideas.
No, it restricts patents to a small subset of technical inventions. *That's* the problem.
No, it restricts patents to technical inventions, and keeps them out of the world of abstract thought and logic. I think we have been there before.
Thanks, Marcus