The other day I contacted all 9 of London's MEPs to ask them about their views on European Software Patents. The first response, from John Bowis OBE is in.
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John Bowis wrote a very good letter back to me (after my Fax to him). So, 10 out of 10 and a round of applause to Mr. Bowis please. The bits of his letter that I found particularly interesting were:
"...The aim of the Directive is to set out and defend the status quo in Europe following changes to the patent system in the USA and also planned for Japan. There is a clear intention across the EU Member States to see that Europe does not follow the USA and Japan in allowing widespread patent availability for software and business methods."
He goes on to say:
"I understand from my colleagues who serve on the Committee concerned that there is no intention to allow generic patenting of software in Europe."
This seems in stark contrast to just about everything I've read in the press and on the Internet. Naturally, My Bowis is accountable to me and at the very least the rest of London. Should things turn out the way the majority seem to think, then I'll be back onto him. I'm looking forward to the other responses, and perhaps build up a consensus of opinion.