GrokLaw has a post on the current state of play in EU software patents. Money quotes:
There are those working to define more stringently and precisely what software patents should and should not issue. Those located in the UK may wish to attend one of the series of workshops being hosted by the UK Patent Office:
Peter Hayward, divisional director at the Patent Office, commented: "We need to hear opinions from a broad range of interests – not just from patent attorneys and patent-owning software companies. The views of those software developers who work without patents are just as important to us."
The Patent Office says: "Participants will be shown a variety of definitions for ‘technical contribution’ and invited to work in groups to test these against a range of innovations. They will also be welcome to propose definitions of their own."
The first workshop will be on March 15 in Coventry, and those who wish to attend must register by Febuary 18.