The Debate on Software Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights between Microsoft and Skype Sparks Discussion at the European Leaders Forum (ELF).
At the recently held ELF 2005 Forum in London, Neil Holloway, President of Microsoft EMEA, the division responsible for business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, argued that Microsoft’s investments in intellectual property must be legally protected. This view is shared by most major software providers worldwide.
However, Skype, the VoIP service provider acquired by eBay in September 2005 for a staggering $2.6 billion, disagrees with this perspective. “Software copyright is currently hindering technological advancement. Copyrights should only be granted when there is a genuine technological improvement and a real investment in that improvement,” stated Niklas Zennström, CEO of Skype.
Major software providers have submitted hundreds of copyright registration applications and received thousands of exclusive rights certificates each year. However, in reality, not all copyright applications are intended to protect intellectual property rights; many companies seek to exploit this as an effective bargaining tool, forcing competitors to buy back their registered copyrights for profit.
Skype’s stance is to always allow software and technology developers to build their products on the Skype platform. Echoing Skype’s viewpoint, Matt Bross, President of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO) at British Telecom, noted that British Telecom’s perspective on software copyrights and intellectual property rights in general has significantly changed over time. The Martlesham Research Center of the company welcomes collaboration with research experts from other companies, working alongside British Telecom’s Research and Development experts. This is seen as the best way to advance into the future of technology.
Ba Lam
