An article about the AT&T v MS case which is to be heard before SCOTUS with the delicious irony that the SFLC has entered and amicus brief supporting Microsoft.

This case, by all accounts I have read will ask the Supremes to decide upon software patents.   As I understand, back in the 90's a court ruled that software can be patented if it is integral to the operation of an invention.  The patent office, however, interpreted that as a green light for software patents generally despite a history of court decisions otherwise pointing the other way.

This is the kind of case and discussion which deserves elaboration and exposition here.  Unfortunately, ASB, I've been busy (and a little burnt out - I enjoy writing programs more than English, and the SCOX history has been wearying).