Published at LXer:

The U.S. judge who tossed out one of the biggest court cases in Apple Inc's (AAPL.O) smartphone technology battle is questioning whether patents should cover software or most other industries at all. Richard Posner, a prolific jurist who sits on the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, told Reuters this week that the technology industry's high profits and volatility made patent litigation attractive for companies looking to wound competitors. "It's a constant struggle for survival," he said in his courthouse chambers, which have a sparkling view of Monroe Harbor on Lake Michigan. "As in any jungle, the animals will use all the means at their disposal, all their teeth and claws that are permitted by the ecosystem."

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They won't be able to undo the system. They (courts) have allowed it for too long. Saying that however doesn't mean that other protection isn't available. Works as in thoughts or art or design or what not should be protected by some means. A civilized world can not exist without order. I expect the government to protect property that I own. From real property to copywrite it is all property.


The judge is a flake however. "Posner said some industries, like pharmaceuticals, had a better claim to intellectual property protection because of the enormous investment it takes to create a successful drug."

This is false. It shouldn't matter how much you spend or have at stake. The rule of law should protect all and not be based on money. His opinion scares me most.