[Fsfe-ie] Re: Fsfe-ie Digest, Vol 12, Issue 13

[Ian Clarke]

Chekov Feeney wrote:
> If it is all unsuccesful and 
> the patent laws get passed, another possible approach would be to 
> organise a public, large-scale breaking of the laws such as a large 
> number of people openly using a piece of patented software for the 
> benefits of the media.

Like JPEG images perhaps, or maybe mp3s? ;-) The unfortunate reality is 
that there is scarcely a computer user on the planet that isn't 
infringing on any number of patents at any time.  An interesting but 
probably illegal publicity stunt would be to start sending fake cease 
and desist letters to influential people instructing them to stop using 
jpegs or something.

I do also agree with your point that arguing this logically is of 
limited value, many politicians have the attention spans of gnats when 
it comes to such things.  Simple pithy arguments, backed by the opinions 
of organisations like the FTC are more likely to have an impact.

Ian.