[Bobalu]

The idea of patenting business methods is idiotic.
So are software patents.

[Talisker]

So are software patents.

Because software engineering requires no innovative creativity, and even if it did the expression of that innovation is in procedural code, so it doesn't count.

Right?

[taxcontrol]

So if a person invents say ... a new method for encryption, (done in software) you are saying that they should not be allowed the same protections as someone who invents a new 100 mpg carburetor?

[Kitsunebi]

The idea of patenting business methods is idiotic.
So are software patents.

I second that! I would like to add that patents on things found in nature are also idiotic. (e.g. gene/DNA patents, etc)

[Hop A Long Cassidy]

>>>The idea of patenting business methods is idiotic.
So are software patents.

A case could be made that ALL PATENTS are idiotic... because only companies with sales over (say) $15 million/year can afford them. The small guy inventor generally is intimidated by threats of law suits from larger firms with outlandish claims.