[Pkg-gnupg-maint] Bug#509853: Bug#509853: description about IDEA is misleading on how patents work

[Robert Millan]

On Sat, Dec 27, 2008 at 12:05:05PM +0100, Thijs Kinkhorst wrote:
> severity 509853 wishlist
> thanks
> 
> Hi Robert,
> 
> On Saturday 27 December 2008 01:12, Robert Millan wrote:
> > The description says that IDEA is "patented worldwide", but this is not
> > legaly possible given that in most jurisdictions algorithms are not
> > patentable.
> 
> Natural language can be open to multiple interpretations, and for 'worldwide' 
> to mean 'in each and every jurisdiction in the world' is just one of several 
> possible ones. Perhaps you can suggest something that in your view more 
> accurately describes the IDEA situation and is less open to confusion?

If "IDEA is patented worldwide" doesn't mean that it is patented everywhere
in the world, I can only guess what the phrase means.  Maybe it means that
it is patented on every country that allows software patents, but I don't
know if that's true.

But based on the phrase we can tell that IDEA is patented in a number of
countries.  Perhaps just saying that would be fine?

In any case, please don't say an algorithm is patented worldwide, it creates
a false perception that software patents are universaly accepted, even if that
wasn't your intention.

Thanks!

-- 
Robert Millan

  The DRM opt-in fallacy: "Your data belongs to us. We will decide when (and
  how) you may access your data; but nobody's threatening your freedom: we
  still allow you to remove your data and not access it at all."