According to a report by news site ZDNet UK, the European
Commission is split over the question of whether or not to open the
door to software patents. A public consultation on the matter ended
on 15th December and a draft Directive is due to be drafted this
month following publication of the results.
In ZDNet’s report on Friday, an unnamed source is quoted as
saying that the draft Directive may be delayed because of internal
differences of opinion. The Commission Directorate responsible for
Internal Markets is said to be in favour of extending software
patenting to cover basic business processes. However, the
Directorate for Competition is said to be opposed, citing
anti-competitive concerns.
The draft Directive will determine the level of harmonisation.
Many observers expect a liberalisation of the patenting rules for
software, which can already be patented in Europe in certain
circumstances. Some are hoping that the Commission will go further
and open the door to the patenting of business methods, such as
Amazon.com’s controversial 1-Click shopping patent.
