Robert Hunt wrote:

Obviously I am sorely disappointed that the NZ Patent Office is granting patents of this kind, and am reviewing both political and legal options for raising this issue in the public eye. Alongside Microsoft's moves to patent .Net APIs we are of course, seeing some serious challenges to developer freedoms, and end user's integration choices, if the arena of intellectual patents is not balanced with concern for open standards in at least some of the world.

Well that is off topic now I am sure... I am happy to set up a list for discussing this issue if anyone else is interested, let me know or point me to a pre-existing nz list on this matter.

The issue came up yesterday on InternetNZ's public-discuss list. Archives at http://listserver.internetnz.net.nz/pipermail/public-discuss/2003-July/threa... and list at http://listserver.internetnz.net.nz/mailman/listinfo/public-discuss InternetNZ is considering engaging a QC who is an expert in the intellectual property arena to provide some initial advice on the situation which has arisen. No decision has been taken yet, but InternetNZ would be interested in hearing from anyone else who may be affected by this. At a minimum I am sure we will be happy to help co-ordinate information sharing. DPF (VP and Chair of Legal & Regulatory, InternetNZ)