[SWLUG] anti-software patents ... I was a patent examiner ... sorry!

[pbhj]

I'm an ex-Patent Examiner, I worked on G4A (the computing 
classification, "digital data processing") at the Patent Office. I 
worked there for about 6 years, four on computing and reluctantly 
processed some "software" patents. I've been using Linux for 6 years too 
(mainly Slackware).

If you have any specific questions I may be able to help. I resigned to 
start my own business (www.barefoot-ceramics.com 
<http://www.barefoot-ceramics.com> - opening tomorrow [30/11/04]) about 
3 months ago. Part of my motivation to leave was that I don't have faith 
in the patent system, basically capitalism in general has major suckage. 
Funny [ironic not ha-ha] how patent means "open". I digress.

I personally know most of the Examiners that work on G4A. An info source 
that doesn't seem to have been mentioned is slashdot.org discussions on 
software-patents  - mostly uninformed (and USPTO focussed) but interesting.

As you might imagine, I'm pretty busy but will try to answer any queries 
promptly. Any other Examiners out there??

Cheers

pbhj

PS: Anyone interested in a Newport meeting? How many wall warts would 
such a meeting need? We may be able to make our shop available (we sell 
tea/coffee and a few soft drinks + flapjack/muffiny things) - I'm hoping 
to install Wifi/broadband in the New Year too.


Dafydd Walters wrote:

> Dick Bain wrote:
>
>> I have been looking at stuff on http://swpat.ffii.org/index.en.html 
>> but any extra ammo welcomed
>
>
> Also be sure to check out all the material on 
> http://www.NoSoftwarePatents.com
>
> Regards,
> Dafydd.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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