Togaware: Open Source Solutions and Freedom

Unlike copyright, patents can block independent creations. Software patents can render software copyright useless. One copyrighted work can be covered by hundreds of patents of which the author doesn't even know but for whose infringement they and their users can be sued. Some of these patents may be impossible to work around, because they are broad or because they are part of communication standards. Patents are claimed for Tabbed Panes, Shopping Carts, Mobile Phone Orders, Paying by Credit Card, Showing Related Results, Picture Link With a Preview Window, and many more.

Do things like software patents really make sense? Wouldn't it be better to work for the benefit of all rather than the excessive profits of the mega corporations. Let the mega corporations earn their incomes, for sure, but let them also continue to compete by pushing forward with innovation rather than stagnating invention through patent threats.