UK TAKES A FIRST STAB AT "TECHNICAL EFFECT": One of the big sticking points in the EU software patent debacle is that, under one proposal (the "UK model"), software would be provided patent protection, if it has a "technical effect." The problem is, no one has provided a clear definition of what this actually means.

Accordingly, The UK Patent Office is to hold a series of workshops that will discuss the definition of what constitutes a technical effect; a major point of conflict in the debate about software patenting in Europe.

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."

Participants must register by 18 February.

The workshops will be held on the following dates:
15 March - Coventry
17 March - Bolton
18 March - Bristol
4 April - Belfast
5 April - Glasgow
7 April - London
8 April - Cardiff