As you point out, the issue is that the UPO doesn't enforce that as rigidly as it should (or maybe, is reasonable to expect). As tjr pointed out in a separate thread, 'This American Life' did a great piece on software patents specifically, definitely worth a look if some of you are interested in learning more. Certainly gave me better perspective. http://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/tal-when-patents-attack