Submission + - Move to Europe to avoid software patents?
An anonymous reader writes: I have a small business that sells PDA software. Recently, I received a letter from a competitor stating that they have obtained patents on the type of software I sell. After reviewing the patents, I see that they have patented procedures that I "invented" long before their patent application. I do have good documentation for my prior art but the cost to challenge their patent would be prohibitive.
By coincidence, I will be moving to Europe (Switzerland) in a few weeks. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to form a new corporation in Europe and move my web hosting to Europe. Could I avoid the software patent issue? Most of my customers are in the USA now and would continue to be in the USA after the move.
I realize that this is not the best place to ask for legal advice and I would consult a real lawyer or two before I did this but I do know that the Slashdot community would do a good job of exploring all aspects of this issue for my consideration.
By coincidence, I will be moving to Europe (Switzerland) in a few weeks. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to form a new corporation in Europe and move my web hosting to Europe. Could I avoid the software patent issue? Most of my customers are in the USA now and would continue to be in the USA after the move.
I realize that this is not the best place to ask for legal advice and I would consult a real lawyer or two before I did this but I do know that the Slashdot community would do a good job of exploring all aspects of this issue for my consideration.