Paper Scoops Saturday

I always regard software as a somewhat formalised type of invention, rather like Classical Music.
But it is a form of invention.
It does new things in novel ways, linking intellectual produce directly to results.

Not so, says the report in Saturday's Financial Times.
British courts have ruled that software devices cannot be patented.
Apparently it is allegedly all down to the European Patent Convention, which excludes 'programmes for computers'.

So I guess I'll publish the code for my inventions sometime, so that any bum can use them for nothing.

Also in the FT, the Lib-Dems may have to repay £2.4 million to Michael Brown as the electoral watchdog is considering information that will make his donation 'impermissible'.

Meanwhile in Saturday's Yorkshire Post there is a report that the government is arbitrarily seizing property belonging to relatives of Abu Hamza in order to recoup the £200,000 costs of his unsuccessful court action to stay in the UK.
Apparently, they can kick him out, but the guilt extends to more fortunate relatives who are allowed to stay.
Nice little earner.
About as rational and righteous as the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
But not the Boston variety.