Funferal

Software patent decision shortly

Word today that there’s going to be movement on the European software patents issue in early July. The European Parliament will vote on the second reading of the directive sometime between fifth and seventh July. FFII, who have been running much of the campaign against the patents, claim that lobbying in Brussels is heavy, currently there is much pressure on MEPs by pro-software-patent companies. The pro-patent lobby has about 30 lobbyists more than we, mostly wearing the hat of SMEs.
They’re calling for action by SMEs and individuals – you can visit their site for details of what you can do as an SME and as an individual. In particular they’re asking people to contact their MEPs, meeting them if possible. For SMEs there’s the Economic Majority conference (29 June, Brussels).