UK software developers 'to gain IP protection'

Posted on 13 October 2008

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Freelance software developers in the UK may benefit from a Court of Appeal ruling allowing greater protection for their intellectual property.

Patents for new computer programmes will be more readily available after it was ruled that the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) had erred in rejecting an application from Symbian, for what was described as a "novel and innovative" development.

The IPO must now follow the same decision-making framework as the European Patent Office, a body which granted a patent in the case in question.

Commenting on the decision, Dr John Collins of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys, said:"The clear and authoritative guidance from the Court of Appeal will end a difficult period of uncertainty and confusion for UK inventors."

News of the Court of Appeal's decision may encourage more software developers to consider going freelance, safe in the knowledge that their ideas will be less exposed to replication from other market competitors.

Category: Contractor News

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