Declan McGrath <declan at frogface.org> writes:
> Is Ireland the main force behind trying to force software patents into Europe
I think it's more down to individuals (McCreevy and Harney) than Ireland as
a whole. Our MEPs were quite good for the anti-swpat side.
Ireland can be blamed for producing McCreevy, but it was the EU that tipped
him for one of the most powerful portfolios in the commission.
> As a side note, given that a Yes vote 'streamlines' decision making in Europe
> and that decision making hasn't proven to be terribly democratic on the
> software patent issue - does that mean a No Lisbon vote is better to try to
> make/keep Europe patent free?
I known anti-swpat folks that support each side.
> On the other hand a Yes vote appears to
> strengthen the European parliament's hand (how much I don't exactly know) who
> tend to be more sensible on the software patent argument. Any thoughts on
> this?
The European Parliament would gain the power to initiative legislation.
Currently only the European Commission can initiate legislation. So the
argument here is, given that the parliament is much more anti-swpat is than
the commission, maybe this would be good for fighting swpats.
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