ABSTRACT:

Software, business methods and Internet-related inventions continue to be
patentable subject matter in the United States.  The U.S. Patent Office
continues to grant these types of patents, and patent owners continue to
exploit and enforce such patents.  A number of high-profile litigation
matters relating to software, business method and Internet-related patents
have come before the federal courts, and the legal precedent continues to
evolve.  While the controversy has not completely subsided, there's no
doubt that patents on these new emerging technologies are having an effect
on how companies conduct their business.