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Danger Quote by Richard Stallman

“Fighting patents one by one will never eliminate the danger of software patents, any more than swatting mosquitoes will eliminate malaria.” quote by Richard Stallman
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“Fighting patents one by one will never eliminate the danger of software patents, any more than swatting mosquitoes will eliminate malaria.”

Richard Stallman

About This Quote

Source Speech: 2005 Linux Conference, Richard Stallman

Patent proliferation cannot be stopped by targeting individual patents; systemic issues persist.

In simple terms: Targeting single patents won’t stop the broader problem.

Key Takeaway

Address the systemic nature of software patents.

Themes

patents software systemic risk innovation law

Mood

cautious critical

Type

analytical policy

When to use this quote

  • software development
  • legal strategy
  • policy advocacy
  • startup planning

Key Concepts

intellectual property network effects regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we reform the patent system to reduce systemic risk?
  • What collective actions could mitigate software patent threats?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on one patent may distract from broader reform needed.

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