software patenting

Software patenting refers to the legal protection of specific software inventions and processes. When a company or individual develops a new software technology, they can apply for a patent, which grants them exclusive rights to use and profit from that invention for a certain period, usually 20 years. This prevents others from using, making, or selling the patented software without permission. Patents aim to encourage innovation by rewarding inventors for their ideas, but they can also lead to debates about restricting access to technology and the implications for collaboration and competition in the software industry.