This news is a little off topic but just as important as it concerns proposed changes to something that could affect open source and p2p software.
http://news.com.com/Legislating+creativity--feds+plan+patent+reform/2009-1008_3-5860582.html?tag=nefd.acThe legal standard that was applied awards patents to the person who invented a concept first, and it has long been a unique feature of the U.S. patent system. This year, however, Congress is about to consider a controversial proposal from Rep. Lamar Smith, a Texas Republican, that would grant a patent to the first person to submit the paperwork
--a standard that's common outside the United States.
The legislation suddenly has become a flash point about everything that's right with the U.S. patent system--and everything that's wrong with it. Technology companies fighting expensive patent cases are hoping the bill will reduce litigation, while open-source advocates say it will do nothing to hinder the rising tide of software patents being issued. Many people feel that the measure will make only modest improvements, if any, to the quality of patents being awarded.
A lot of people are worried here about this change, its the old slowly "moving the goalposts" concept in favour of big businesses
