Ask HN: Why Are Software Patents So Awful?
4 by advocateone | 2 comments on Hacker News.
Ask HN: As a software developer from the stone ages who’s spent many years in the field of intellectual property (IP), I’m truly curious why Silicon Valley is so down on patents. This is especially true for software patents, and the sentiment is at least tenfold greater here than anywhere else I’ve seen. Forget for a moment which side is right or wrong. The startup community especially in SiVy values the scientific method, a diversity of views, facts over opinions, open-mindedness, objective thinking etc. In fact, I see these important skills, as I think you do, exhibited by all of the successful founders, partners and investors, and even in the YC training. But when it comes to software and patents, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it’s group think: software patents suck, and you suck if you disagree. Believe me, I know there are some truly brilliant folks reading this but I wonder if there’s an understanding about how much marketing and the band-wagon thing has shaped your perceptions. I’d love to hear your genuine thoughts. To be candid with you, it’s an area I’ve been looking to disrupt. Also, I’d love to hear from you whether you’ve personally suffered because of software patents, regardless of how, or whether your opinion is anecdotal from others or what you’ve read. Any other thoughts are welcome! If you have questions, I'll do my best to answer at least some of them. And if you'd like to tell me where to go, that's cool too.
