Summary: Another new example of software patents advocacy that somehow creeps in, finding its way into the mainstream press in India

THE subject of software patents in India keeps coming up, even though it has been more or less resolved for at least a decade. Lobbyists of multinational corporations like Microsoft and IBM, or Indian patent lawyers trying to attract more business (like frivolous lawsuits), keep bringing it up and the latest such effort comes from Venkatesh Ganesh, who bemoans the ban on software patents. The argument? Poorly made:

Hardware clause makes software patenting difficult

Changes in India’s software patent laws are stoking heartburn among companies that are looking to file patents in India, which could impact investment flows into the country.

Companies based in India and elsewhere depend on patents to protect their intellectual property and attract investments to succeed in a competitive marketplace. However, some minor changes to the patent guidelines have caused a major headache.

This is a complete fantasy or fairy tale. Who or what are those companies? Those oppressing India, like Microsoft which still actively derails the country's software policy? Those that work for foreign corporations under the guise of being "Indian"?

Citizens of India shouldn't be gullible enough to believe the above and newspaper editors need to start filtering or fact-checking material that they publish. Too often they just copy-paste some lobbying material from patent law firms for the illusion of "balance". That's not how true journalism is done. ⬆