Allister welcomes software patent defeat
07 July 2005
ALLISTER WELCOMES SOFTWARE PATENT DEFEAT
Jim Allister MEP today welcomed the defeat in the European Parliament of the Commission's ongoing attempts to introduce patents for computer software.
The Commission is seeking to harmonise patent law across Europe, which itself is objectionable, but in relation to software in such a way as would induce monopolies by the dominant multinational companies and stifle innovation and competition.
Explaining his vote on the record in the Parliament, Mr Allister said:-
"Today I voted against the Common Position on the Directive on Computer Implemented Inventions (CII) in view of the increased control and over-powering dominance it would give to large software companies and the consequential harmful effects that it would impose on small and medium sized enterprises. I see the proposed legislation of making software patentable as a threat to an industry which requires creativity and innovation in order to thrive. This directive would simply reduce competition hence leading to higher prices and lower quality for software consumers and non-technology businesses. In my opinion, the anti-innovative behaviour that this directive would undoubtedly create would result in nothing but ruinous consequences to democracy, competition and employment."
