🚀 go-pugleaf

I just spoke with Jeff Kushan, Commission Specialist, 703-557-3065,
and I quote him here (paraphrased) with permission.  Any misstatements
are my responsibility; I did not record the conversation, but rather
wrote the summary below from my notes.

He was quite cooperative, and in response to my questions, stated
that about 550 responses to the RFC have been received so far.  Many
dealt only or primarily with issue # 1 (computer-related inventions).
Many suggest abolishing software and suchlike patents entirely, and
many others simply expressed concern with the current state of
affairs.  A few (including some unaffiliated individuals) were in
favor of patent protection of software, algorithms, etc. either
remaining as is or becoming even more inclusive.

About 110 form letters supporting the League for Programming Freedom
position were received; there were about another 100 letters that both
supported the LPF and elaborated with original comments.  Letters
were received from organizations including CCIA, as well as from
individuals.  He implied that even responses received now would be
considered, although I did not verify that.

Mr. Kushan stated that a an official report would be generated by
the commission by August 15, 1992 (when its charter expires), and
that there might or might not be a report in the interim (he was
unable to say, as they are still in the information gathering
stage and have not yet decided exactly what to do); in any case,
he stated emphatically that any such report(s) will be made public
(although he did not mention how, and I didn't ask).  Also, he
said that he spoke with someone from InfoWorld providing much the
same information to that person as to me, and that an article
should appear in InfoWorld in the next couple of weeks or so.

He also encouraged me to call back if I had any other questions.

						Chris Arthur
						csa@sw.stratus.com