-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Fsf-tn] Kopete is closed for patent infringement Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 06:42:15 +0530 From: Ramanraj K ramanraj.k@gmail.com To: Joe Steeve joe_steeve@gmx.net CC: GLUG Madurai glug-madurai-discuss@lists.sourceforge.net, GLUGOT glugot@tce.edu, SREC LUG srec-lug@yahoogroups.com, KEC Linux User Group klug@mail.kongu.edu, FSF Tamil Nadu fsf-tn@gnu.org.in, SonaLUG sonalug@yahoogroups.com References: 8764yr8y15.fsf@deck8.enterprise
Joe Steeve wrote:
THIS IS JUST A BEGINNING!
Kopete, the famous KDE messenger is closed for patent infringement.
The patents that affect Kopete are: (0) Patent 6449344, granted to ICQ. The patent covers anything resembling a network that lets multiple IM users see when other people are present and the communicate with them (1) iKimbo (www.ikimbo.com) received a patent on a method for inviting people to join "communities" which include chat or instant messaging systems. (2) Microsoft received a patent on "Activity Monitoring" for Instant Messaging systems. This patent would seem to cover the MSN Messenger messages that say: "Sally is typing now..."
It is time India filed a complaint in the WTO against the illegitimate and illegal practice of "software patents" that impose trade barriers in contravention and violation of TRIPs Agreement, seeking the issue of directions to US, Japan and others to update their laws in accordance with TRIPs. The inhuman, humiliating and dastardly harassment of software developers through patent infringement suits is condemnable, and this should halt. The means of criminal prosecution of those who practice "software patents" should also be explored. Computing rights are a fundamental right, where each exercise is well protected by copyright, and any unreasonable restriction through "software patents" is a serious violation of human rights, and probably people who are responsible for the practice should be strictly dealt with in accordance with international law, the same way "war criminals" are dealt with.