From: Date: November 24 2004 2:48pm
Subject: MySQL Founders speak out against software patents
List-Archive: http://lists.mysql.com/announce/240
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You may have noticed that Monty & I have spoken out against software
patents regularly. We have actually been fighting them since way before
MySQL! For example David joined the LPF (see lpf.ai.mit.edu) in 89/90.

We believe that software patents will work against software developers
by enabling the largest companies to develop patent monopolies that
stifle innovation. We believe that copyright is the correct way to
protect innovation and preserve programmers rights.  

On Tuesday, Monty issued a statement along with Linus Torvalds (Linux)
and Rasmus Lerdorf (PHP) as part of a campaign conducted by
www.nosoftwarepatents.com. You can read the full statement here:
http://nosoftwarepatents.com/en/m/intro/app0411.html

Hopefully you will also take part in this fight (especially if you live
in any of the European Union states). See the "How to Help" link to the
left on the nosoftwarepatents.com website.

Monty & David
MySQL Founders