EU Council approves software patent initiative

A last minute attempt by Denmark to block the controversial EU Computer Implemented Inventions Directive, which would allow US style software patenting, appears to have failed.

Denmark had attempted to get the motion moved down the agenda of today's EU Council meeting, but this failed and the Council approved the directive without a vote.

It will now go to a second vote by the European Parliament, which is also expected to give approval despite the fact that a parliamentary working group has twice asked for the Council to reconsider the proposals.

The directive has been opposed by many in the open source community and smaller software developers, but welcomed by big business and UK politicians.

Opposers fear it will lead to large companies patenting code to gain licensing revenues and to squeeze smaller developers out of the market. Supporters say it will allow companies to better protect their intellectual property.