Just to be clear: it's not as if software is un-protectable. Good code can be kept a trade secret, is copyright its registrant, and there are trademark rights to consider also. Moreover, there are “soft” (non-IP) protections, like maintaining the software, getting into a space first, and (whoa!) having a product that actually just performs better.

The problem with software patents is that they are like minefields in the software innovation universe. One cannot just freely extend an idea, because it could be patented, and if it is bang-o you violated the patent laws: http://endsoftpatents.org/a-litany-of-lawsuits

Yes, even software.

Patents may have made sense for mechanical devices that have to operate under the laws of physics. Software is just applied math and has no such limitation. Creating a software patent simply creates an un-deserved monopoly around that idea.

Simply put, software patents are bogus.

Weary from comment reading on the intent generation post, marking this 6th popular post as 7/10.

I feel your frustration and recognize that great value is in implementing ideas, but we should credit the inventor somehow as a society.

Weary from comment reading on the intent generation post, marking this 6th popular post as 7/10.

I feel your frustration and recognize that great value is in implementing ideas, but we should credit the inventor somehow as a society.