European Parliament ditches software patent proposal News
European Parliament ditches software patent proposal

[JURIST] The European Parliament [official website] voted 648-14 on Wednesday to toss a draft law [PDF proposal text] that would have protected inventions combining software and machinery. Opponents of the proposed law [EU FAQ] feared [JURIST report] that would have stifled small businesses and protected large ones by creating patent lawyer and litigation costs. European governments wanted the law passed to encourage investment in an industry largely dominated by the US. There are currently no plans for submitting a new proposal. Read an EP press release on the vote. Bloomberg has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Charles Manson sentenced to death

On April 19, 1971, Charles Manson was sentenced to death for ordering the murders of Sharon Tate and others. The sentence was then commuted to life after the Supreme Court of California overturned the death penalty in 1972. Learn more about the trial of Charles Manson from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law.

The Beatles signed 10-year partnership

On April 19, 1967, John, Paul, George and Ringo - aka "The Beatles" - signed a partnership deed agreeing that the group would continue for a (further) period of ten years. When The Beatles split up prematurely in 1970, Paul applied to have the partnership terminated and a receiver appointed.

Read a legal analysis of Paul McCartney’s 1970 lawsuit against John, George and Ringo.

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