CS-202: Law For Computer Science Professionals A “Bit” More On Software And Business Method Patents David W. Hansen, Instructor October 27, 2005 © 2005 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Patents Are Cereal – I Mean Serious Business
Software Developers By a margin of 80% to 8%, programmers believe that software patents impede rather than promote software development. The remaining 12% are “undecided.” By a margin of 59% to 27%, programmers believe that software patents should be abolished.
The Final Word Prof. Donald Knuth, Stanford: –“If software patents had been commonplace in 1980, I would not have been able to create [the TeX system used by 90% of all books and journals in mathematics and physics], nor would I probably have ever thought of doing it, nor can I imagine anyone else doing so.” Tidbit: The name “TeX” is an homage to CalTech, where Dr. Knuth received his doctorate.