Changes

In the last 10 years, patent offices in both the U.S. and Europe have begun granting [[software patent]]s.  Programmers and others complain that these patents inhibit software innovation in a rapidly changing field where a particular technique may be obsolete in a few short years.<ref>[http://lpf.ai.mit.edu lpf.ai.mit.edu], retrieved on June 29, 2006</ref>

In the last 10 years, patent offices in both the U.S. and Europe have begun granting [[software patent]]s.  Programmers and others complain that these patents inhibit software innovation in a rapidly changing field where a particular technique may be obsolete in a few short years.<ref>[http://lpf.ai.mit.edu lpf.ai.mit.edu], retrieved on June 29, 2006</ref>

Historical evidence can be found both in favour of patent systems and against them.  The mid-19th century dyestuffs industry faltered in Britain where patent protection was available, and flourished in Germany despite the absence of such protections.  In contrast, patent protection has enabled inventors to protect their innovative products from larger companies and receive reward for their advances.  For example, the [[Dyson (appliances)|Dyson]] bagless vacuum cleaner has led to a significant shift in the vacuum cleaner market and the inventor has benefitted from patent protection.

Historical evidence can be found both in favour of patent systems and against them.  The mid-19th century dyestuffs industry faltered in Britain where patent protection was available, and flourished in Germany despite the absence of such protections.  In contrast, patent protection has enabled inventors to protect their innovative products from larger companies and receive reward for their advances.  For example, the [[Dyson (appliances)|Dyson]] bagless [[vacuum cleaner]] has led to a significant shift in the vacuum cleaner market and the inventor has benefitted from patent protection.

In response to perceived problems with the grant of patents, and the evolving nature of technology and industry, there is on-going debate about, and reform of, patent systems around the world.  The [[Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights|TRIPs]] agreement, developed by the [[World Trade Organization|WTO]] has led to the alignment of many patent systems with regard to certain controversial issues, such as what can be protected by patents and the issue of [[Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights#Access to essential medicines|compulsory licences]] in cases of national need.  There is also an active community who oppose patents and who lobby for the abolishment of patent systems.

In response to perceived problems with the grant of patents, and the evolving nature of technology and industry, there is on-going debate about, and reform of, patent systems around the world.  The [[Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights|TRIPs]] agreement, developed by the [[World Trade Organization|WTO]] has led to the alignment of many patent systems with regard to certain controversial issues, such as what can be protected by patents and the issue of [[Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights#Access to essential medicines|compulsory licences]] in cases of national need.  There is also an active community who oppose patents and who lobby for the abolishment of patent systems.