Hi guys, since legal issues seem to be a big theme this coming catchup, here's a link to an Aussie firm that specialises in open source law, and several free publications they've put online that others may find worth a look too: http://www.opensourcelaw.biz/publications/ Note they cover some issues from an explicitly 'Free Software' perspective as well as open source. cheers, Pat. On Mon, Dec 13, 2010 at 8:08 PM, Ben Sturmfels <ben@stumbles.id.au> wrote:

Hi Folks, Just a reminder that our monthly free software discussion group is on next Thursday 16 December, 6:30pm at the State Library of Victoria. Meet in the foyer a little before 6:30pm.

For those that haven't been before, we essentially get together and chat about a few (ideally pre-arranged) topics around free software. It's mostly non-technical and no experience is required.

Proposed discussion topics: 1. Alex Fraser's summary of the New Zealand campaign against software patents from his meeting with Don Christie.

2. How does the ACTA agreement (Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) affects use of free software? My (Ben's) understanding is that it may prohibit defeating any "digital handcuffs" even for legitimate use - eg. playing a DVD you own.

Look forward to seeing you there, Ben

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-- Patrick Sunter VPAC Senior Computational Software Developer - AuScope Monash SAM Project Monash University Adjunct Research Associate (School of Mathematical Sciences) Ph: +61 (0)3 9905 4468 Mob: +61 (0)425 756 141 For VPAC/AuScope admin issues email: patrick@vpac.org For AuScope software development email: patdevelop@gmail.com