I'm no lawyer but my advice would be to object to the patents in your jurisdiction (and the US, if possible) by writing to the appropriate local patent offices.

I'm no lawyer but my advice would be to object to the patents in your jurisdiction (and the US, if possible) by writing to the appropriate local patent offices. State that their work isn't novel as it's remarkably similar to your own. If your work is based on "public domain" knowledge (for example techniques that have been previously published in a book, or on the web), it is important that you refer to those. I'd also speak to a different IP lawyer, one who is familiar with software patents. You shouldn't have to pay for an initial consultation. EDIT: You could also speak to your local EFF. They'd have better advice.