In India, as per the Patents Act, 1970 “computer programme per se” is not patentable subject matter . But it is seen that every year approximately 1000 patent applications are being filed and almost 100 patents are being granted in this field. This is a dangerous phenomenon making writing a computer programme a risky proposition where you could be sued for infringement by corporations holding software patents. This could seriously impede the growth of the software industry in India as well as put shackles on development of Free and Open Source Software. SFLC considers opposing these patents in the area of software, that are irregularly granted, against the intent of the legislature, to be a primary item in its agenda.
