For those who think that software patents are not a threat to open source, read this interesting article on Patently-O about a patent suit against RedHat. The dispute is generated by US Patent 6,101,502, a patent for an ” Object model mapping and runtime engine for employing relational database with Read more
The iCommons summit was an incredible event, but I wanted to point out something that kept bothering me in a couple of sessions, particularly the panel about the international role of Creative Commons. I am perfectly aware that the lack of specialised knowledge of intellectual property from representatives of developing Read more
We are almost done, the last session is upon us. There are three declarations that will be distributed (and hopefully signed on). I will read them in detail and blog about them later on. All I have to say is that this has been ana amazing meeting, full of energy Read more
International role of Creative Commons with Cory Doctorow, Jimmy Wales, James Love, Glen Otis Brown and Nhlanhla Mabaso. Cory Doctorow: WIPO development agenda, the experience of EFF at WIPO. There should be a stronger institutional representation of Creative Commons at WIPO level, as at the moment it has been silent. Read more
Blogs reviewed in scholarly journals? I did not think it was possible for anyone to take us seriously, but the latest issue of the excellent Journal of Intellectual Property & Practice (2006 1(7):493-494) has a review by Toby Headdon of three IP blogs: Lessig Blog, Patently-O and yours truly. I Read more
The most impressive panel in my opinion: Niva Elkin-Koren, James Boyle, John Willbanks and Jenny Toomey. James Boyle is clear-headed and acute as usual, warning of the dangers present in the commons movement. The first danger is that we should not become the “lost leaders”, that having hours and hours Read more
(picture courtesy of Ariel Vercelli)I’m still here after the first day, a bit worse for wear from jet-lag and a dodgy stomach, but still going. So many different highlights to the first day! Perhaps I should just paint a picture of what the place feels like. As I mentioned yesterday, Read more
Quite a good start to the policy discussions, there is too much to write, so I’ll be rather brief. WIPO discussion: Contentious session indeed! There was a good presentation from Richard Owens, but then some cutting comments from James Boyle, James Love and Cory Doctorow.The problem is of course the Read more
Opening Session: Very good opening session. The highlights for me were Joi Ito, who has been speaking on the many different technical things in which we can make sure that Creative Commons works from a business perspective. Gilberto Gil has amazed the audience with a pasionate speech about the importance Read more
The meeting has started, we are gathered in the impressively posh Marriot Hotel in Ipanema. I measure poshness by how many times I politely get asked what I’m doing (three times before getting to the venue). I guess that it’s just because I look like I don’t belong, but it Read more