Location: "Rigolin" room, CEn.Ser Rovigo Fiere, Viale Porta Adige, 45, 45100, Rovigo, Italy. Richard Stallman will explain how software patents obstruct software development. Software patents are patents that cover software ideas. They restrict the development of software, so that every design decision brings a risk of getting sued. Patents in other fields restrict factories, but software patents restrict every computer user. Economic research shows that they even retard progress. This talk will be accessible to all audiences and the public is encouraged to attend. If you register at http://www.opensourceexpo.it, for 15.00 EUR you will have access to the entire expo and will receive a complimentary gift bag.