Dear Jaco, I think it would be difficult to discuss software patents without recognizing the open source movement, creative commons, etc., and indeed we will discuss this to some extent. The focus will be on whether patents are good or bad for the ICT industry, and whether the Kenyan patent office (KIPI) should generally allow them or deny them as a policy. There are arguments both ways, and in fact KIPI could do either under the current law. For those who wish to see no patents whatsoever, I encourage you to attend and voice this opinion. KIPI will be attending and will hear you. Regards isaac On Fri, Jul 20, 2012 at 10:34 AM, Du Toit, Jaco <j.dutoit@unesco.org> wrote:
Dear Isaac,****
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Thank you for this information. Would the question of Free and Open Software and its advantages and challenges also be discussed?****
Regards****
Jaco****
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*-------------------------------------------------*
*Jaco DU TOIT*****
Adviser for Communication & Information****
UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa****
United Nations Avenue, UNON, Gigiri (Room C-104) ****
P.O. Box 30592-00100, Nairobi, Kenya ****
Tel: +254 (0)20 762 2346/2566 ****
Fax +254 (0)20 762 2750 ****
Mobile: +254 (0)728 610 912 ****
Email:j.dutoit@unesco.org, Website: http://www.unesco-nairobi.org****
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*From:* kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+j.dutoit= unesco.org@lists.kictanet.or.ke] *On Behalf Of *Isaac Rutenberg *Sent:* Friday, 20 July, 2012 10:31 AM *To:* Du Toit, Jaco *Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions *Subject:* [kictanet] CIPIT and Seminar on Computer Software Patents****
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Dear Listers,****
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Please save the dates of 14th-15th August, 2012. The Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology (CIPIT) will be hosting a seminar and training workshop focusing on protecting Intellectual Property (IP) in the ICT sector. The seminar/workshop will be at Strathmore University, and is co-hosted by iBizAfrica.****
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On Aug. 14, the topic will be computer software patents. We will explore many issues both local and international, in an effort to answer two questions: (1) Is software patentable in Kenya? and (2) Should software be patentable in Kenya?****
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On Aug. 15, we will answer the question: "how can people in the ICT industry protect their intellectual property?" This will be a highly practical (i.e., not academic and not theoretical) session and will cover many issues of IP.****
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CIPIT is part of the new Strathmore Law School, and focuses on helping the ICT sector effectively use IP.****
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More information will be posted in the next few days. Stay tuned!****
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Kind regards****
Dr. Isaac Rutenberg ****
twitter: #iruten****
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PS - tried to send this yesterday, can't tell if it worked though. Apologies if you've seen this before. ****
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-- Isaac Rutenberg iruten@gmail.com
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-- Isaac Rutenberg iruten@gmail.com