Fwiw, USPTO, EPO, WIPO, and probably OAPI and ARIPO (not sure about these two), and whoever else, grant patents for software. Outside USA the rules are stricter

Fwiw, USPTO, EPO, WIPO, and probably OAPI and ARIPO (not sure about these two), and whoever else, grant patents for software. Outside USA the rules are stricter; and business methods usually aren't allowed. The EPC ("European" patents) allows software patents with a 'technical effect'.