IBM urges new patent policy

IBM has introduced a new patent system which, the company claims, sets a new standard for the way new technologies and ideas should be safeguarded and managed. The company has adopted the new policy following consultation with other bodies and it is urging a widespread adoption of 'a more formal code of conduct' towards patents. It hopes such an approach could ease the growing burden on legal and governmental systems struggling to deal with growing numbers of questionable patent applications and patent lawsuits. ...more

Record industry scores Canadian legal victory over music filesharers

The record industry has scored yet another victory over illegal file sharers, forcing Canadian ISPs to hand over details of alleged P2P uploaders. Canada's Federal Court of Appeal overturned an earlier decision, paving the way for the country's first file sharing lawsuits. The decision brings Canada into line with the US and European countries, including the UK, where ISP records have been used to identify sharers who have subsequently been successfully sued. ...more

Freeserve subscription flaw detected

A bug has been detected in the sign-up page for Freeserve's unmetered access service. When users upgrade to Unlimited Freeserve Time they are emailed a link to a web page that alters the settings on their browser software so that you automatically dial into the new number. However, Microsoft Outlook Express will need to be changed manually otherwise it will continue to dial the old number and you will be charged local rates. ...more

California's senate set to ban gathering information from emails

The California State Senate is expected to pass a bill banning companies from scouring emails for use in marketing, according to the LA Times. However, an amendment to the bill will allow companies to search messages without getting the writer's permission. The amendment is vital to the success of the proposed Google Gmail service which would otherwise have been scuppered. ...more

Ofcom forces access revolution at BT

BT is promising 'equality of access' to its local network in a bid to satisfy Ofcom and demands for clearer regulation of telecoms. The two main players in the British telecoms arena have agreed a new approach to regulation for landline telecommunications. The central goal is to ensure equality of access to those parts of the fixed telecoms network which BT's competitors cannot replicate. ...more