As I've been talking to people about IP/software patents, I've had several say "This has been going on for forever.". Is this the opinion of fellow-HNers? Is it

As I've been talking to people about IP/software patents, I've had several say "This has been going on for forever.". Is this the opinion of fellow-HNers? Is it just more in the spotlight because the patents are being consolidated amongst "big players" in the media and mobile spaces or am I just more in-tune to it recently?