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1215196653|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — European Parliament rushes towards Soviet Internet: Brussels, 04 July 2008 — Amendments to the European Telecommunications directive being rushed through the European Parliament propose a "Soviet internet" where software publishers and internet service providers watch traffic and data for Hollywood. Software and services that run on the internet would have to ask for permission of the regulators. (Comments: 0)

1215162459|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — Spanish MEP paints the EPO as the legislator: The EPO Gazette reports that some MEPs members of the Legal Affairs committee visited the EPO in early June. Questions were raised on the democratic control of the Office, and how the Alicante model of the OHIM could also apply to the EPO. One MEP mentioned that the EPO is also taking political decisions. (Comments: 0)

1214839613|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — Get your patent licence at Microsoft: If you don't trust the OSP (Open Specification Promise), ask for a patent licence at Microsoft. "If you would prefer a written license, or if the formats are not covered by the OSP, patent licenses are available by contacting iplg@microsoft.com" they say on their website. (Comments: 0)

1214174542|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — Campaign4Creativity is back in software patents lobbying: Simon Gentry is back in software patents lobbying. Now his role is to push for legalisation of software patents via the creation of central patent court in Europe. (Comments: 0)

1213879040|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — WIPO will discuss a report on patents and open standards next week: WIPO will discuss next week a report on the international patent system. A section of it is mentioning open standards. (Comments: 1)

1213793348|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — Commission publishes transatlanctic roadmap to advance global patent harmonisation: The Commission agreed with its transatlantic counterparts on a road map to patent harmonisation, during the TEC 13 May, but did not publish the document. Now its out. (Comments: 4)

1213378159|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — Barroso after the Irish NO vote: "The treaty is alive, and we should now try to find a solution": President of the European Commission reacted to the Irish NO vote by saying they will try to bypass it: "The treaty is alive, and we should now try to find a solution". There is no doubt that there will be attempts to bypass the decision of the polls in Ireland. (Comments: 1)

1213106016|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — Microsoft sucks 8,136,000 EUR each year out of the European Commission: Commission pays Microsoft each year 226EUR for its office infrastructure. Commission has approx 36,000 users. Make the math. Commission makes also "open" tenders which prefers Microsoft products. (Comments: 4)

1213008268|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — Belgium on the way to scrap patents in Flemish?: The council of ministers in Belgium has decided last 23rd of May to proceed with the ratification of the London Agreement, in order to scrap the requirement for translations of patents granted in Belgium in Flemish. (Comments: 0)

1212948052|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — How fast is your printer? MEP Smith wants you to know.: And Commissioner Kuneva answers with references to existing consumer protection provisions. (Comments: 0)

1212673160|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — EICTA has a new surprise President: EICTA has a new President. Guess from which small european company he is from. (Comments: 0)

1212398723|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z — Ars: OOXML revolt brewing? Three countries appeal ISO approval: India, Brazil, and South Africa are attempting to appeal ISO's fast-track approval of Microsoft's controversial Office Open XML (OOXML) format. The organizations representing those countries in ISO complain of process irregularities, lack of inclusiveness during meetings and debates, and insufficient time to address all of the issues and concerns raised by participants during the review process. (Comments: 0)