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Ian Clarke writes:
Ciaran O'Riordan wrote:
I'd like to be able to point out that all software innovations that have pushed society forward, are patent-free. So what other examples are there?
I think it would be easier to think of the software innovations that pushed society forward that *weren't* patent free.
RSA and LZW are the only two widespread algorithms for which patents existed yet which still received widespread usage that I can think of off the top of my head. Effectively alternatives were found for both until their patents expired.
Plus they were free to use in areas where their patents did not apply -- such as Europe! Very handy for Baltimore, I would have thought.
- --j.