Viviane Reding 2004-09-29
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2004-09-29 Viviane Reding - Hearing (official summary ):"The question of patent law, also important for industry particularly the patentability of computer-implemented inventions was raised by several Members, including David HAMMERSTEIN MINTZ (Greens/EFA, ES) and Esko SEPPÄNNEN (GUE/NGL, FI). The MEPs defended open source software as a way of offering greater access to technology for everyone as it cost less. Furthermore it was a way of encouraging young people to be innovative. Mrs Reding said she was very aware of this problem, which brought copyright into conflict with freedom of use. Ultimately, she said, it is a commercial problem and we have to reconcile interests. She reminded Members that the directive on the subject would return to Parliament for second reading after it had passed before the Council of Ministers."
