As a European I always found one thing about US-patent legislation absolutely ridiculous: the ability to obtain patents on completely trivial software solutions, algorithms or interface elements. Just remember the "Amazon 1-click-shopping" feature or the charges of Adobe vs Macromedia because of their navigation tabs. Well fortunately we don't have this bogus here in Europe - I thought. Jens Halm, creator of the Oregano Server just pointed me to the fact the the European Parlament is about to change that law which as a consequence would lead to a situation similar to the US.

This means that immediate action is necessary to stop this madness. Fortunately there is FFII which gives detailed information about the interest groups involved, the consequences of the changed law and a lot of input in how we can help to stop it. Please sign the petition.