A measure that could allow widespread software patenting in Europe was unexpectedly tabled this week 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, a US source said.
However, opponents have been increasing in number and a delay is likely to help opponents rather than supporters, the source said.
"The Polish government deserves our 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.
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