Eben Moglen gives a talk titled "Patents at a Crossroads: Bilski and Beyond"

Here is just a quick roundup of news which revolves around our ‘favourite’ patents trolls, our ‘favourite’ anti-Free software laws, and Microsoft’s latest intellectual monopoly offenses.

"It is common to argue that intellectual property in the form of copyright and patent is necessary for the innovation and creation of ideas and inventions such as machines, drugs, computer software, books, music, literature and movies. In fact intellectual property is a government grant of a costly and dangerous private monopoly over ideas. We show through theory and example that intellectual monopoly is not necessary for innovation and as a practical matter is damaging to growth, prosperity and liberty."

It is an economic book that build a devastating case against patent and copyright laws.

Notes: It seem that book marks the GPL and other free software license as the exception and is something that they see as beneficial. It is something if possible they want to see preserved.

Few presentations at conferences in the coming years will manage to combine the intellectual depth and delivery skills shown by Eben Moglen in this penetrating analysis of privacy and technology. Moglen poses an important question; namely, what will be the most successful intelligence organizations of the 21st century?

"I became a fan of Eben Moglen when I saw this quote from him: “We also live in a world in which the right to tinker is under some very substantial threat. This is said to be because movie and record companies must eat. I will concede that they must eat. Though, like me, they should eat less.” This logic could be applied across the board in society! Computerworld recently featured an interview with Eben Moglen..."

A not-so-overly-alarmist reminder of how monopolies are taking over society using self-serving laws and establishments, including the patent office

Here are just some among many takes on a talk about software patents and the Bilski case, courtesy of Professor Eben Moglen
Paula Rooney: Moglen: Bilski decision set back patent reform for more than a decade

Regular readers of this blog will know that I am not a fan of the term “intellectual property”, and that I prefer the more technically correct term “intellectual monopolies”. Despite that, I strongly recommend a new book from someone who not only approves of the term “intellectual property”, but of its fundamental ideas.

"...If you haven't read this interview with Eben Moglen, you really should. Eben discusses both the practical and the philosophical side of Free Software and Free Information..."

http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/stories/20071019507610000.htm