Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

NZICT Cautions Against Abandoning Software Patents

NZICT Calls For Caution Over Abandoning Software Patents

The group that represents the New Zealand ICT industry, NZICT, warns that a Select Committee recommendation to abandon software patents is worrying for New Zealand.

A Select Committee focusing on Patents Bill reforms recently recommended the Government to remove patent protection for software programs in New Zealand.

NZICT chief executive Brett O’Riley says the country’s software development sector deserves the same protection as other sectors where invention and innovation occurs.

“Software patents, while acknowledged as a less than perfect solution in some areas, are none-the-less integral to an individual or company’s right for commercial protection and essential for competing globally. We believe that it is very important that companies retain the option to protect their innovations under patent law, if that is their choice ”

O’Riley is perplexed by the recommendation, as it contravenes current New Zealand economic policy and contradicts the policy to continue software patents which had been confirmed in 2005 after industry consultation.

O’Riley also warns that the wider implications of such a law change is inconsistent with the policy of our trade partners and may have an impact on New Zealand’s ability to negotiate trade agreements.

“New Zealand’s ability to trade and compete internationally in the digital economy depends upon a supportive legislative environment that harnesses and recognises New Zealand ingenuity and innovation.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

He strongly urges the Government to rethink the implications of removing software patents if it is serious about supporting New Zealand’s innovators and economic growth for the nation.

“Strong Intellectual Property protection systems, supported by Government, encourage innovators and attract foreign capital and investment into innovation.

“The business incentive for research and development is that it can lead to intellectual property assets that can be turned into commercial products.

“As a small nation competing on a global stage, we cannot afford to set a precedent that will limit our ability to develop digital exports,” says O’Riley.

Abandoning software patents is a major policy change. NZICT is concerned that the software industry has not been consulted sufficiently on this change and recommends the Government be cautious to ensure that it is acting in the interests of the industry as a whole.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.