(grumble) Unfortunately, there's a huge amount (if not the majority or *ALL*) of software patents that never, ever, should have been granted in the first place. The Patent Office is overrun with the applications (IBM has been awarded something like 400 patents this year alone for "cloud" computing. Here, pull my finger,) they simply don't know the world of software well enough. Frankly & honestly, even if you can pass the "a mathematic expression can't be patented," most patents should fall under the "relatively obvious to someone skilled in the profession."
With recent threads about having unique experiences and/or kinky sessions, I decided to throw out a few search words through the Webverse and found this site and article.
Someone who has patents but is not making a Internet Interactive Sex Toys is suing those people clever enough and willing enough to develop some.
Now Ol' Ben GAVE away the patents to the Franklin Stove and the Lightning Rod. Our society is better for it.... so I don't know what this arsehole's problem is.
Then again, comparing patents that will more efficiently heat your home or keep your office building from burning down with patents for things that cause orgasms while you watch free internet porn might, just Might, be a bit too much.
Enjoy! ga_kosh
(grumble) Unfortunately, there's a huge amount (if not the majority or *ALL*) of software patents that never, ever, should have been granted in the first place. The Patent Office is overrun with the applications (IBM has been awarded something like 400 patents this year alone for "cloud" computing. Here, pull my finger,) they simply don't know the world of software well enough. Frankly & honestly, even if you can pass the "a mathematic expression can't be patented," most patents should fall under the "relatively obvious to someone skilled in the profession."