The Practical Nature of Software Patents

Many object to U.S. patent laws that allow patenting of software.  Critics argue that software patent stifle innovation and that the open source model is a better approach.  However, Martin Fink, Vice President of HP was quoted in Today’s NYTimes with words that will resonate with entrepreneurs who are hoping to make money from their software:

It’s fine to object to software patents, but it’s foolhardy not to try to acquire them.

Fink is an open source advocate, but also a realist.