Quoting Jim Andrews <jim@vispo.com>:

> patents are only a threat to dullards.

That is untrue. Patent trolls are a threat to genuine innovators. And
the patentability of mathematics and concepts in software patents and
business method patents are a threat. This is true for both economic
and social implementation of both novel and established ideas.

> because they are quite particular. they're not general enough to be much of
> a concern to inquiring, original minds.

Patents are not particular, they are written in impenetrable legalese.

If you saw your own original creation represented as a patent you
wouldn't recognize it. I know, because I once had to help prepare a
patent for something I had created.

> so don't worry too much about them.

"We programmers are often amazed by the simplicity of the ideas that
real software patents cover–for instance, the European Patent Office
has issued a patent on the progress bar, and one on accepting payment
via credit cards. These would be laughable if they were not so
dangerous."

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9593_22-5754104.html

Sure, don't worry unduly about them. But recognize that any expansion
of patents into areas that affect art, and art computing in
particular, is not a positive thing and should be opposed where
possible.

- Rob.