Perspectives on Patentable Subject Matter brings together leading scholars to offer diverse perspectives on one of the most pressing issues in patent the basic question about which types of subject matter are even eligible for patent protection, setting aside the widely known requirement that a claimed invention avoid the prior art and be adequately disclosed. Some leading commentators and policy-making bodies and individuals envision patentable subject matter to include anything under the sun made by humans, whereas other leaders envision a range of restrictions for particular fields of endeavor, from business methods and computer software to matters involving life, such as DNA and methods for screening or treating disease. Employing approaches that are both theoretically rigorous and grounded in the real world, this book is well suited for practicing lawyers, managers, lawmakers, and analysts, as well as academics conducting research or teaching a range of courses in law schools, business schools, public policy schools, and in economics and political science departments, at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
This book is a good choice for those who are interested in learning more about the legal aspects of patents. There are chapters on business methods and software patents which offer tons of details and cite many cases. I chose to read this book based on the chapter The Vonage Trilogy: A Case Study in "Patent Bullying." Patent bullying is behavior that large corporations use to promote their patents over those of small companies or individuals. Overall a good read, if a bit over my head.