[chrismcb]

No, there are no software ideas that are truly patentable, because ideas area not patentable. Code is copyrighted. Algorithms shouldn't be. If you spent developing a better compression, then sell the software, but don't release the algorithm.

Some of the problems with software patents is "on a computer" or "on a server" just aren't novel enough. In fact, that is the problem with most patents, they aren't novel enough.

[jacques_chester]

Every patent is composed of ideas, based on a description of something that can be made by humans, thought of by a human.

[pnw_hazor]

the "on a computer" days are long past. And, soon the remainder of those crap computer-related patents from the early days will expire anyway if they haven't been invalidated already.

[egdod]

> ideas area not patentable

Totally wrong. Ideas are exactly what is protected by patents.

[wiggles_md]

Patents protect inventions, not ideas. https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/can-you-patent-an-idea

[egdod]

What’s an “invention”? It’s not a particular physical embodiment.