[Fsfe-ie] Irish proposal on software patents passed

[Ian Clarke]

Hi John,

News just in is that the Irish proposal on software patents was passed, 
this is a dark day for innovation in the European Software industry, not 
to mention for democracy in the EU.

This is an (apparently successful) attempt by the pro-patent lobby to 
torpedo the whole directive on software patents, since they are well 
aware that the European Parliament is extremely unlikely to vote for 
this version when it is returned to them (because it removes all of 
their amendments and safeguards).

Their strategy seems to be that having effectively killed this 
directive, they will now pursue the introduction of software patents 
through less transparent means, doing everything they can to minimise 
democratic scrutiny of their actions.

In short, a small cabal of unelected beaurocrats are seeking to rewrite 
European law to increase their own powers and appease their friends in 
industry.  They are doing so against the express wishes of the EU's 
democratically elected representatives in the European Parliament.  To 
achieve this goal they are using every trick in the book to minimise or 
evade democratic scrutiny and accountability.

Kind regards,

Ian.