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Re: software patents
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From: |
John Hasler |
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Subject: |
Re: software patents |
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Date: |
Wed, 15 Nov 2006 18:55:53 -0600 |
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User-agent: |
Gnus/5.110006 (No Gnus v0.6) Emacs/21.4 (gnu/linux) |
rjack writes:
> Can someone explain how a copyrighted computer program can infringe a
> software patent ?
Strictly speaking, it can't. What can infringe is the machine you
"construct" by loading anr running the program on a computer. Thus the end
user is the primary infringer while the distributor of the software can be an
indirect infringer. <See
http://www.imakenews.com/bakerbotts/e_article000148952.cfm> and
<http://www.ladas.com/Patents/Biotechnology/USPharmPatentLaw/USPhar31.html>
Note that ignorance is a defense against a claim of indirect infringement.
Induced infringement requires a positive act of inducement, while
contributory infringement requires a sale.
--
John Hasler
john@dhh.gt.org
Dancing Horse Hill
Elmwood, WI USA