I wish more of the world would take New Zealand's stance. Software patents are banned in that country. The US/EU should really go a similar route.
Fast forward 15 years and we see all fears have come true. Big corporations hoard software patents, which are used to stifle competition and extort money from companies using free software.
Worth keeping in mind when fighting for net neutrality and other issues where corporations make promises when trying to limit the freedom of the public.