[ILUG] More patent ammo

[John Gay]

I know this was on LWN last week, but I'm not subscribed.

<QUOTE>
Europatent preview: Godado patents search engines
 Anybody who is curious about what benefits software patents might bring to 
Europe need look no further than UK patent GB2362971, entitled "A method of 
searching the internet and an internet search engine." This patent, held by 
the Italian company Godado Italia Srl, was first filed in May, 2000; it was 
assigned last February. 
<SNIP>
One might assume that Godado does not intend to content itself with harassing 
Portalino; according to this Punto Informatico article, the patent has 
already been filed in Spain, Portugal, Germany, and France (along with the UK 
and Italy). A new litigation company, it would seem, has been turned loose in 
Europe. 


This patent was not filed until 2000; chances are that, with a bit of (yes) 
searching, sufficient prior art can be found to invalidate it. This will not 
be the last shakedown 
</QUOTE>

I wonder if Ireland will still support software patents when these jokers try 
shutting down google?

Just one more link to send to MEP's still sitting on the fence.

Cheers,

	John Gay