Like your website? You'd better like emptying your empty wallet too.

Today is a call to arms, and the cause is that of Software Patents. Due to poor knowledge of "Prior art" (old inventions - hey, catchy!) nefarious companies are taking advantage and patenting everything in site. Copyright will be worthless, because a patent has the ability to block independent creations. This is because copyright covers the individual expression of an idea, whereas a patent represents the idea itself.

The problem is, many patents are so broad they can stop you doing almost anything. And when they move from the real world of nuts and bolts, to a world of total abstraction like software, you're in trouble.

Already, everything from the hyperlink and pop-up windows to targeted banner ads and affiliate linking are patented. Have any of these on your site? Yeah, well, you now owe a bunch of people money.

Sorry - did I forget the online shopping cart? Yeah, that's there too. And this isn't some vague threat - these people are actively pursuing countless numbers through the courts. Small businesses, individuals, schools / universities...you're all criminals in their eyes.

In effect, who claims first wins. The effect on open-source software could be devastating. What if Microsoft decided to patent the Operating System? In fact, what if Linux Mandrake, or Red Hat, or Lindows or anyone else for that matter decided to do the same? No one will stop them. But we'll all suddenly be faced with the consequences.

A war currently rages in Europe and, for once, it doesn't involve men in black costumes jackbooting their way all over Poland.

Rather, its a battle being taken to the highest courts in the land, and the outcome could decide the future of what you do on a day to day basis in front of your PC. The consequences for us all if we lose don't bear thinking about - join the fight before its too late.

Links:
FFII
EFF's Ten Most Wanted
Eurolinux.org