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Okay folks, now that we are pretty sure that Microsoft has a patent pending
on SPF, we should reall get together and start doing stuff. Here's a list
of things I think we need to get done.
(1) Partner with existing efforts to tame patents. Richard Stallman, the
FSF, and the EFF (I think) are great organizations. Let's get involved and
contribute not just money but our voice, our time, and our talents.
(2) Working with members of congress. The patent office is run by Congress,
ultimately. We need to get our voice heard. How do we do that? Get to know
your congressman and senators. Which congressional district do you live in?
How many hours have you volunteered for their campaign? Have you written
him and told him that you would like to be an advisor on the internet and
technical issues?
(3) Work with your companies. Because everyone and their sister in the
corporate world has patents, and these patents are entangled in one
another, we can work with our bosses to tell them our situation, and
perhaps the legal department will get a hold of their legal department and
begin raising concerns. I can imagine a phone call from an IBM lawyer to
Microsoft legal department saying, "Now Billy, you don't want to start a
battle, do you?"
- --
Jonathan M. Gardner
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