Computerword New Zealand are running a review of the situation now that software will be excluded in the Patent Bill. The article describes the use of software patents by New Zealand companies, how the exclusion will eliminate risk for these companies, and how software companies will still rely on copyright to protect their intellectual property.

Recently the State Services Commission released a Request for Proposal that specified that the solution should be open source. As a result there was some concern expressed. The NZOSS believes this approach will encourage a level playing field when it comes to offering software development and implementation services by ensuring that many companies will be available to offer software development and implementation services, rather than being locked into a single vendor.

The State Services Commission have released a Request for Proposal that specifies that the solution they are looking for will be an Open Source solution. As a consequence the SSC received various questions from vendors concerned they were being excluded. Statements in RFP's often specify specific products, usually because of business reasons such as leverage of existing software assets. The SSC has not replied to those questions on it's web site.

InternetNZ is hosting free public seminars this month on the Copyright (Infringing File Sharing Amendment) Bill. The seminars will provide for sharing of information and enable critical analysis of the Bill for those who wish to contribute to the policy discussion or make their own submissions.

Speakers include Kim Connolly-Stone and Peter Bartlett from the Ministry of Economic Development, technologist Nat Torkington, ISP industry stalwart David Diprose, Creative Freedom Foundation’s Matthew Holloway and ICT lawyer Rick Shera.

According to the London Evening Standard Apple is considering making an offer to buy ARM. ARM are the makers of ARM low power CPU's that are used in many of todays smart phones. If successful the implications for other phone manufacturers would be severe. Phones that use Open Source Android would then be at a disadvantage in being able to source processors.

21st April 2010
For Immediate Release

The New Zealand Open Source Society has written to the Minister of Commerce, Hon. Simon Power, to congratulate the National led Government on the stance it has taken with regards to the issue of software patents. The NZOSS has long held the view that software patents are damaging to our industry as a whole, stifling innovation and creating unnecessary and unpredictable risk to this who chose to develop software. Whilst patents do have a chilling impact on the freedoms that free software developers seek to perpetuate through software licensing, the issue is one that impacts the entire industry regardless of preferred licensing models.

The New Zealand Labour party explains its stance on the exclusion of software from patenting. It's about encouraging innovation:

20 April 2010
Media Statement

Software exclusion will encourage Kiwi innovators

The exclusion of computer software from a Patents Bill before Parliament is a step towards helping New Zealand become more innovative Labour MPs Lianne Dalziel and Clare Curran said today.

Countries involved in ACTA negotiations have unanimously decided to release the text of ACTA for public scrutiny. This news comes after over eight thousand people signed a petition in support of the Wellington Declaration, a document developed at PublicACTA, a public conference to discuss the implications of ACTA held in Wellington last week. [Update]: ACTA Text now attached to this article.

Several organisations have weighed into the software patent debate. Intergen, who proclaim to be leaders in the application of Microsoft technology, have supported software patents. They join NZICT, an organisation ironically dominated by multinational companies. Ian McCrae of Orion Health, the biggest software exporter in New Zealand has supported the exclusion of software patents joining the 80% of members polled by the New Zealand Computer Society.

Paul Matthews, CEO of the NZCS, sent an email to the NZOSS "open chat" list outlining the his position with regards to software patents. Paul has kindly given us permission to reproduce that email below:

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In regards to Software Patents, I would like to first say that we believe that everyone has a fundamental right to protect their own property, and consequently support the *concept* of Copyright and Intellectual Property.