For those of you who read my blog, you know that I hate software patents. My partner, Jason Mendelson, began fighting me on this back in 2000 when we began working together, but a scant eight years later, he’s joined me in the crusade. In fact, he’ll be arguing this position on March 4th at the Silicon Flatirons event. Lawyers (oops, sorry Jason, ex-lawyers) are so quick to change their thinking.
Anyway, from the news of the absurd, Jason pointed out the EU court has determined that the word “Parmesan” is a protected name for cheese made solely in the Italian city of Parma. Never mind that the past 800 years of cheese production from this city hasn’t cause a stir, but evidently now, it’s big business.
And before you comment about Champagne / Sparkling Wine trademark decisions, yeah, these are stupid too.
At least the U.S. isn’t alone.