14 Nov
2002
14 Nov
'02
5:39 a.m.
From: "Roberto Verzola" rverzola@gn.apc.org
There is already an internationally-recognized mechanism for bringing down prices of proprietary software (in fact, all items protected by IPR). Any government with the political will can use compulsory licensing to permit third parties to copy and distribute Microsoft products while compelling that third party to pay royalties to Microsoft, at rates set by the government. WTO has weakened compulsory licensing, but it is still there; it just needs a stronger political will from governments.
Roberto Verzola Philippines