Select Committee recommendation 'worrying'

The New Zealand ICT has said that a Select Committee recommendation to abandon software patents is "worrying for New Zealand".

The NZICT has reported that a  Select Committee focusing on Patents Bill reforms has recommended to the government that it removes patent protection for software programs in New Zealand. Chief Executive Brett O’Riley believes that the country’s software development sector deserves the same protection as others.

“Software patents, while acknowledged as a less than perfect solution in some areas, are none-the-less integral to an individual or company’s right for commercial protection and essential for competing globally.  We believe that it is very important that companies retain the option to protect their innovations under patent law, if that is their choice.”

O’Riley added that the recommendation contravenes current New Zealand economic policy and contradicts the policy to continue software patents which had been confirmed in 2005 after industry consultation. He also warned of wider implications.

“New Zealand’s ability to trade and compete internationally in the digital economy depends upon a supportive legislative environment that harnesses and recognises New Zealand ingenuity and innovation,” he said.