You can patent things other than methods. For example, If you invent a novel chemical you can patent it - that's the basis of the pharma industry business mode

You can patent things other than methods. For example, If you invent a novel chemical you can patent it - that's the basis of the pharma industry business model. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_of_matter http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_of_matter