Some question whether or not patents are stifling innovation, and while there are many proponents of patents relative to the intellectual property issue, there are also concerns related to patents. Specifically, concerns in the business field are becoming impacted by intellectual property.  For instance, questions have arisen in the business realm regarding whether methods of doing business are eligible for patents or copyrights. Concerns regarding the impact of patents on methods of doing business include questions about whether or not patents will produce a larger product base; on the other hand, economic concerns have arisen as to whether or not patents of methods of doing business will affect economic policies due to the competitiveness of entrepreneurs. A philosophical and historical approach raises questions relative to recognition of IP in business techniques and ideas for transacting business.  Will recognizing these property rights harm society? Some argue that these patents will lead to hostile reactions to the patent system in general. On the other hand, a pragmatic approach sees patents of doing business doing less harm to society versus expansive copyright protections. (Stern)

To that end, doing business on the Internet has been impacted by patents.  There has been an increase in patents claiming rights to technologies.   Richard Stallman, founder of the

GNU project, believes that software should be free.  According to GNU, Stallman shares a page devoted to ‘fighting software patents’ which states, “Software patents are the software project equivalent of land mines: each design decision carries a risk of stepping on a patent, which can destroy your project.” Stallman continues by sharing his view on the importance of changing the patent system so it cannot threaten developers of software. Larry Lessig, Professor of Law at Stanford Law School, states, “Every method of doing business in cyberspace by definition is instantiated in technology - code. So every method in principle becomes subject to a patent.” (Lessig)  One needs to ask if the costs of the creative process associated with patents outweigh the benefits.