Tell American anti-Internet wonk why Europe doesn't need software patents

Bruce Lehman is an American IP maximalist (he's best known for advocating shutting down the Internet and replacing it with something more like AOL during 1995's National Information Infrastructure hearings). He's written an open letter asking for people to come and comment on the European Software Patent initiative, through which "inventions" like streaming media and XML can end up the exclusive property of one company.

From Lessig's blog:

As Bruce writes, "It is important to remember that the patentability of computer implemented inventions, or lack there of, will have a profound effect on European industry and competitiveness." Absolutely right, which is why is it so good that the IIPI has opened a discussion forum on their site so people can contribute to the "discussion" about IIPI's strong support for this software patent initiative.

Link (Thanks, Larry!)