VC Sends Sends Out 200 DVDs Of Documentary About Absurdity Of Software Patents
from the getting-the-message-out dept
We've mentioned in the past how well-respected venture capitalist Brad Feld was one of the first to come out against software patents. Since then, he's grown more and more concerned about patents in general, including those outside of software. He's been getting more and more active in the discussion as well, with his latest move being to send out 200 free copies of the movie "Patent Absurdity," to 200 people who he believes should see it. The movie itself looks pretty good, though I haven't had a chance to see the whole thing yet. That said, while patents and copyrights are different (but related) issues, I'm a bit surprised to see the filmmakers put a "no-derivatives" license on the movie. That seems contrary to the concept being promoted here.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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Filed Under: brad feld, patent absurdity, patents, software patents
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I'm assuming it's for impact. If someone points you to a link, you probably don't watch it. Or care. If you get a letter in the mail, along with a DVD, at least you pay attention.
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B: Not everyone who does can conveniently watch it on their normal televisions, so handing out DVD's will enable those with DVD players to do so.
C: DVD's are dirt cheap these days.
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That said, I don't really see any conflict in criticizing the patent system while reserving *some* copyright-based rights.
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Oh, well, there is always next time.
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Um...
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Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka4L0jGF_-Q
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAIV_nEO5QM&feature=related
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I8vrfW3HbE&feature=related
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DVD Forum
I can see why he sent the DVDs. It makes a point.
I agree that they should not have put "no derivatives" on the movie. But I also understand the concern that a lot of film makers have about maintaining the integrity of their work.
I saw the film. I wish everyone should.
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Re: DVD Forum
I think it's a habit reaction that can definitely change over time. Once you see what others are capable of adding to what you do [you can promote those you like over those you don't, and in most cases the changes will not overwhelm your efforts] and what others allow you to use by the creation of their own ND works, you start to loosen your grip.
The totality of what others can do vastly exceeds what the most talented individual can do working alone (hey, hollywood blockbusters surely aren't the product of a single person.. though neither was this video), so the question becomes do you want to have an isolated product that will be recognized as a great "small" effort or do you want to be part of a great blockbuster and in the process (as a major player) accrue free credit in being associated with the more "blockbuster" work?
A person's contribution does not disappear from history and can always be preserved on a website.
I think the CC people need to create Source Code licenses, but we aren't yet at a time when most people create things where they have significant source code they want to share. [Here is an exception: http://www.sitasingstheblues.com/ though the animation source does currently require closed source software.]
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about 'no-derivatives'
So, most of the time if one do a film that includes public photographies, public videos or something public, is mandatory to use this 'no-derivative'.
(sorry about the english. Isn't my motherlanguage)
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Can I get a copy?
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VC Sends Sends Out 200 DVDs Of Documentary About Absurdity Of Software Patents
Since 'software' is virtually running our entire economy, scientific endeavours, financial systems, etc., maybe we should just let the Chinese, Indians, etc. 'batch download' all America's intellectual property, trade secrets, etc. and get it over with.
He's obviously...an idiot who needs professional help!
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Re: VC Sends Sends Out 200 DVDs Of Documentary About Absurdity Of Software Patents
Someone's very, very confused.
Doing away with patents on software is not the same thing as giving up the software industry.
You do realize that, for the vast majority of the software industry's history (including its massive growth phase) software was considered unpatentable? Right? But you're not big on details, are you?
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large repeat infringers
Sure he is...by large repeat infringers. Like him, they only want protection for their work, not others.
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I watched the video
What I came away with was that it will be the big corporations, not the little guys, who will have the most success getting the system for issuing software patents overthrown. The video cited several big companies that found themselves sued by software patent holders. The big companies have the financial and political clout to go to senators and congressmen to get the laws changed. And they have the incentive to do so because they have found the laws to be a hassle.
So rather than attacking big companies, you might want to work with them toward common goals.
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Re: I watched the video
Hi Suzanne, can you explain this rather odd comment? What do you mean "attacking big companies"? I find this pretty amusing, actually. The patent system supporters keep claiming that I'm a shill for big companies and insist that my blog posts are paid for by them. But now others are claiming that I attack big companies.
Which is it?
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Re: Re: I watched the video
I wasn't directing that comment to anyone in particular. Some of the discussions seem to take on anything big as standing in the way of start-ups who want to adapt ideas to fit their own needs. So I found it interesting to hear the video cite how corporations want the problems to go away and will lean on politicians in DC to do that.
Like I have said, IP issues aren't really my thing. I follow the discussions as I run across them, but I haven't really felt strongly about them one way or another.
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