Archive of UserLand's first discussion group, started October 5, 1998.

Progaming Code as protected speech

Author:Adam Farstrup
Posted:4/7/2000; 9:42:21 AM
Topic:Progaming Code as protected speech
Msg #:16014
Prev/Next:16013 / 16015

The Financial Times has an interesting piece about the Ohio Federal Court of Appeals upholding programing code as a form of free speech protected by the first amendment.

Computers Win Right to Freedom of Speech

My logical train of thought asks, "If code is protected speech, how can you patent it? Shouldn't it be more analogous to a copyright?" This seemed to be the thrust of the arguments presented by Dave and Tim O'Reilly and it seems that this court decision lends credence to that thought. Very interesting.

Adam

PS Dave, if I may, any reason why you are now David Winer in the discussion group?

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