Patent Policy European
Novell Statement on Proposed European Union Software Directive Changes
Novell is aware of the public debate in the European Union about proposed legislation
that liberalizes patentability standards for software, and the possible impact of
such legislation on Linux and other open source products. In response to this debate
and to ensure that the marketplace has a clear understanding of Novell's position,
we offer the following statement on the proposed changes to the European Union directive
on patents and its possible effects on open source software:
- There are differing intellectual property rights systems around the world
and where patent protection is available for software, Novell has sought to
use and will continue to use patents as a legitimate means of protecting Novell's
software offerings. We believe that the current system in the European Union
has served the industry, the individual Member States and Novell well, and generally
promotes innovation and competition in the industry. Accordingly, Novell does
not see the need for the proposed changes to the current system.
- In the event the European Union were to allow broader patentability of software,
Novell would nonetheless be able to freely market its software offerings, whether
closed or open source, in Europe and other jurisdictions that presently favor
software patents.
- For further information in this regard, please see “Novell's Statement on
Patents and Open Source Software” posted at Novell's web site.
Copyright 2004