Abstract
In February 2006, we published our first report on software patents -
' Software patents: back from the brink' , in which we highlighted the key
issues surrounding the software patent regime and outlined the actions that
need to be taken in order to prevent the collapse of the software patent
system. This report is an update to the earlier version, but our view remains
substantially the same - the patenting of software in the USA, Europe and
Asia remains beset by serious problems, which threaten confidence in the
system and have the potential to cause lasting harm to the technology
industry. Action needs to be taken now in order to address the shortcomings of
the system.
Table of Contents
Key messages
Ovum' s recommendations for patent reform
Advice for vendors
Analysis
- What are patents for?
- Patents used as weapons
- A doomsday scenario: patent winter...
- The patent arms race on the global stage
- The European situation
- The situation in the US
- The situation in Asia
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