Hi,
News on Groklaw (http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20050215071109231) suggests that when Bill Gates was last in Denmark, he threatened the country with the loss of around 800 jobs if it didn't do his bidding on software patents.
1. Is the story confirmed? I know FFII has a statement, but are there sources independent of the danish newspaper mentioned, Børsen, for this story? 2. How do governments regard threats like this? I can't help but think they're effective on the grounds of "political reality" and, well, votes. 3. Do we know how those who say that the commission's preferred directive would not permit "patents on pure software" would regard Mr. Gates' threat? 4. Has Microsoft threatened Ireland in the same manner?
I won't be able to attend this evening's meeting. My apologies.
Éibhear