I'm sure if we looked at the sum total of all software patents now in effect, everything would be covered. There would be no way possible to write any new software programs without paying royalties on every single line of code (and that's only if the patent-owning company allows you to use their code). A software program, as a whole, should be patent-able (or copyright-able, I'm not an expert on the 2 terms), but individual processes (like one-click checkout) in a software program should not be.
Can you imagine what would happen to the auto industry if one company got a patent on "a steering wheel" and another got a patent on "a brake pedal"?
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