As programmers are probably already aware, designers of computer software in the UK are not normally able to patent their work, even if the software is innovative. The US, which takes a different approach to the issue, has long allowed patents to be more easily granted for software.
However, the European Patent Office has announced that it is giving consideration to the redefinition of the applicable criteria for patenting software. If there is a significant relaxation, a truly innovative software development may become patentable (and hence more valuable).
Watch this space.
Software May Become Patentable
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