International Software Patent Protection

The most effective way to introduce the scope of the problem under discussion in this analysis -- that of protection of software -- is for the reader of this analysis to put down this paper, turn to the computer, log on to the Internet, and type in the following URL -- http://www2.bigredh.com/hotline3 (Hawalsheka & Scott, 1999).

There the reader will be invited to download a free software program called Hotline Connect. Once loaded, Hotline Connect takes your computer to a veritable cornucopia of pirated software that can be downloaded free of charge. The front page extols the virtue of the concept, suggesting that this gives you the chance to "browse the Web in ways you never thought possible." Indeed, by following the links of the Hotline Connect software, one can download any number of computer games, software programs, and movies.

These programs are not "Freeware" or "Shareware" but actual operating systems software ranging from Microsoft Office 2000 (45 minute download using DSL, six hour download using 56k) to Doom 3 (currently selling at retail for $54) or the "Blair Witch Project" and some 2,000 other movies. After spending an hour or so browsing through the thousands of linked sites that enable the surfer to "shop for free," one is convinced that the case for software protection is a valid and an essential one. The Software Publisher's Association, a lobbying group estimates that for every copy of legal

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extent practical the state of the prior art or other information disclosed known to the applicant, including references to specific prior art or other information where appropriate. Statements describing the problems involved in the prior art or other information disclosed which are solved by the applicant's invention should be indicated. A brief summary of the invention indicating its nature and substance, which may include a statement of the object of the invention, should precede the detailed description. Description of the Invention (USPTO). Many of these instructions and details are based on the development of Patent laws in England and Europe that were created several centuries ago, and that were designed to deal with actual inventions that had physical dimensions (size, shape, length, width and so on) and the challenge is making the "new" type of information product (i.e. software) blend into the more traditional system. In 1999, the British magazine, The Economist observed that intellectual property law 'cannot be patched, retrofitted or expanded to contain digitised expression,' wrote John Perry Barlow, co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an online lobbying group, in an influential essay. 'Digital
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Patent Office, Date Description, Patent Law, Software Patented, Lundberg Durant, Trademark Office, According USPTO, Field Invention, Congress Power, Online Conclusion, nov 7, patent law, patent protection, software patent, lundberg durant, nov 7 method, natural laws, computer program, software patents, computer programs, prior art, lundberg durant 2000, patent trademark office, single integer representing, prior art information,
Approximate Word count = 3611
Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page)

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