Wolfgang Sommergut

Ovum kritisiert in einem lesenswerten Beitrag die innovationshemmende Wirkung von Software-Patenten. Senior Analyst Lauernt Lachal bemängelt zudem die einseitige Position von Regierungen bei der Copyright-Gesetzgebung:

Copyrights were originally intended to limit publishers‘ control over printed works, early copyright law (from the 18th century) granted writers copyright protection for only 14 years. Today in the US and Europe they last for 70, 95 or 125 years, depending on circumstances. In addition to printed content they now cover new media, including software programs.

Something must be done to re-establish a reasonable balance between the interests of content producers and users. Unfortunately, governments do not seem to know where that balance should lie. Their indecision is harmful to both producers and users.