EU Council Ices Software Patent MeasureEU Council Ices Software Patent Measure

A measure that could allow widespread software patenting in Europe was unexpectedly tabled Tuesday by the European Union's Council in Brussels. The decision to remove the issue from a vote was spearheaded by Poland.

The measure " formally called the Computer Implemented Inventions Directive (CIID) " could be taken up at a later date, but its opponents have been increasing in number and a delay is likely to help opponents rather than supporters.

"The Polish government deserves greatest admiration," said Florian Mueller, campaign manager of NoSoftwarePatents.com in a statement. "Now Europe has the opportunity to have a constructive debate on the severe shortcomings of the (CIID.)" Mueller has led a consortium of open source software interests in Europe opposed to the CIID.