Open source software, entails software that can is developed, tested or improved through public collaboration and distributed freely among others. It is said to be the way forward for innovation and not patenting because:
>There are numerous patents in the software department and the possibilities of patent infringement are large. This leads to litigation resulting in increased costs for the users.
>Numerous web giants like Facebook, linked in, twitter are all based on open source and wouldn’t have developed if the source code that their programs are based on were patented.
>Patent seeks to create monopolies, which stifles innovation as these major players try to prevent new firms from entering.
>Numerous web giants like Facebook, linked in, twitter are all based on open source and wouldn’t have developed if the source code that their programs are based on were patented.
>Patent seeks to create monopolies, which stifles innovation as these major players try to prevent new firms from entering.
How India’s patent rules are affecting innovation?
>The Computer Related Invention (CRI) guidelines in India state that only software attached to a novel hardware can be patented. Contrary to the argument by MNCs that it will stifle innovation, it will actually lead to increased innovation due to a level playing field for new comers and experienced ones alike.
>It will be a big boost for the “Make in India” and “digital India” programmes and will foster entrepreneurship. E.g. SHAKTI processor programme at IIT-Madras aimed at building open source mobile and server processors, operating systems, etc.
>It will lead to increased spending on R&D by MNCs in a bid to stay relevant in the changing software market.
>It will be a big boost for the “Make in India” and “digital India” programmes and will foster entrepreneurship. E.g. SHAKTI processor programme at IIT-Madras aimed at building open source mobile and server processors, operating systems, etc.
>It will lead to increased spending on R&D by MNCs in a bid to stay relevant in the changing software market.
Thus the need of the hour is to do away with software patents to ensure an open playing field for all. What India needs is an independent innovation policy unaffected by corporate interests.
