There are a lot of things that you and I take for granted that simply wouldn't exist without the patent system. I think many people underestimate the amount of

There are a lot of things that you and I take for granted that simply wouldn't exist without the patent system. I think many people underestimate the amount of R&D effort that goes into coming up with a novel idea and its implementation. If there was no system in place to protect IP, commercially-funded research would basically die, and the average Joe would end up being the biggest loser. However, I am completely against silly patents like the infamous attempt by BT to patent the hyperlink[1]. [1]: http://www.zdnet.com/article/bt-loses-hyperlink-patent-case/ http://www.zdnet.com/article/bt-loses-hyperlink-patent-case/