Re: Choice of venue, was: GUADEC report

[Matthew Garrett <mgarrett@chiark.greenend.org.uk>]

Nathanael Nerode <neroden@twcny.rr.com> wrote:
>Matthew Garrett wrote:
>
>> ...again the practical outcome to our users is the same - they suddenly
>> discover that they have no right to distribute the software they have.
>> Why do we wish to ensure that they have a freedom that can be revoked at
>> any time anyway? What practical benefit does this offer them?
>
>Software patents are being fought in other arenas and may be declared
>invalid.  ...in which case, this would be different and would offer a
>practical benefit.  I see no general fight which would protect against
>these other termination possibilities.

If it became impossible to enforce patents against items of software
(which is, I believe, a somewhat different argument to the existence of
"software patents"), then I might reconsider my opinion. But at present,
that isn't the case.
-- 
Matthew Garrett | mjg59-chiark.mail.debian.legal@srcf.ucam.org