Code by itself holds no utility, but can be used to communicate ideas (much like mathematical formulas). Not all code is useful this way, though.
Also, there's also an "automated" process for turning code into something with utility; something that does work. This is not true of most other forms of expression.
Code should not be patentable. Code patents are evil. All they do is enlarge the gap between large wealthy companies and small or new companies. True, this is more a result of the corruption of the patent system than a result of patents being a bad idea. However, the courts have already ruled that math is not patentable and that's all a program is.
Copywrite, fine but who cares? |
