[Cthulhu_]

The difference is when the patents are ridiculous or, to a layman, obvious. Take commenting on the internet; imagine that HN had to pay an x amount for each comment posted, because someone patented (and I'm sure someone HAS patented) the combination of a text input box and a submit button. Imagine YOU had to pay for that privilege.

There's a few good stories out there; google for patent troll in combination with newegg or cloudflare.