a computer program is not a patentable invention

[Jon Kirwan]

Yes, software patents play a role in the USA - especially amongst large
companies.

And amongst smaller companies if the leave the "living in the
cracks" and start looking like they are muscling into more
profitable territory.

But patents were designed, as Walter says, to encourage
innovation and to protect IP,

***were*** designed. I think that is long gone.

neither of which is at issue in the
majority of cases (though patent owners /claim/ they are defending
"their" IP. The role played by software patents does neither - it's a
protection racket to squeeze licence fees out of people and sue those
who don't quietly pay up.

There's a reason companies whose businesses revolve around patents are
known as "patent trolls". And it's not because trolls are renowned for
being innovative or protective.

Yes.

Jon

 

[Chris H]

But don't they appear to have played and still play a role
amongst large companies with deep pockets? I remember quite
a large payout by Microsoft.

Only in the USA. I don't thing SW patents are used anywhere else. IT is
also why they never will be.