CS 1064 VPI Software Patents Discussion

While solving a tricky problem at work, you realize that you have created a new compression algorithm that will revolutionize computing. After showing your boss, she excitedly announces that this will save the company millions and that you will enjoy a huge bonus this year. But first, they need to patent your algorithm so that no one else can use it without paying the company. Anyone who writes a similar program, even non-profits or hospitals (without paying the company thousands of dollars) will be sued. Considering all stakeholders, what is your position on this situation?

Write a short essay that:

summarizes the situation

takes a clear stance

includes a coherent argument supporting your stance

explicitly references a relevant ethical theory or guideline (see below), and

is written with understandable spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Your overall essay should be between 500 and 750 words. Conciseness is important in communicating with colleagues.

Your essay should be structured as following:

The header of your essay should include a title, your name, and Scenario B

Summarize the dilemma established by the scenario.

Summarize the ethical theory or guideline that you are referencing.

Discuss how you apply the theory or guideline to the scenario, take a clear position, and justify that position.

This last bullet point is very important. You must use of the following sources when completing the assignment

After the essay, provide a list of one or more references you used to develop your essay. The list should include at least one reference to the ethical theory or guideline you used.

Do not plagiarize! Put ideas about the ethical guidelines into your own words.

The reference list does not contribute to the length limits. The reference list does not need to follow any particular format, but make it clear. Use URLs in the reference list to provide external information and examples.

To support your argument, use established ethical theories and guidelines. Do not invent your own theory or simply make an argument without support.

The following sites provide examples of ethical theories and guidelines:

I have provided 3 different sources below for you to choose from. YOU ONLY NEED TO USE 1.

1.)

https://www.acm.org/code-of-ethics

2.) https://www.jmu.edu/ethicalreasoning/docs/131101%2…

3.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Ethical_the…