Why consumer organisations should be involved

Software patents limit the functionality that can be added to software and prevents the use of standards, leading to needless incompatibility. Software patents also lead to monopolies, less competition, and fewer products on the market. The overall cost of the patent system is paid for by consumers.

Related pages on ESP Wiki

• Statements from BEUC
• Preventing competition
• Lowering software quality for users
• Removing useful software from the market
• Audio-video patents - a clear example of where software patents result in incompatibility an unnecessary user annoyance and lock-in
• Solidarity among campaigns against software patents‎

Why various groups should get involved

• Software patents harm SMEs
• Why SME unions should be involved
• Why free software groups should be involved
• Why tech groups should be involved