I was wondering... what is the current law in the United States about patenting of software programs, and does anyone know where I can find out if there are any standard international laws about the patenting of software. I have products that I and the rest of my company have designed that we need patented, unfortunatly the South African patent act reads like this: (Republic of South Africa, Patents act no. 57 of 1978) Section 2.2.1: Anything which consists of a discovery; a scientific theory; a mathematical concept; a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work or any other aesthetic creation, a scheme, rule or method for performing a mental act, playing a game or doing business, a program for a computer; or the presentation of information, is not regarded as an invention for the purposes of the Patents Act. If there is any other way to protect my software and my designs internationally, or under any international treaties etc, and anyone knows of such a way, please drop me an email, it would be much appreciated. Cheers Andrew Alston