If this doesn't scare the sh*t out of you
You want to know why "system and method" patents (i.e. software patents) should be abolished and sent the way of the dodo? As reported by uniwiredview.com ... Apple is throwing mobile application travel / retail app ideas and patent applications at USPTO.
Here's a few samples:DN/20100190510: SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING TRAVEL SERVICES USING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE This is directed to systems and methods for integrating travel services in a single application available to a portable electronic device. Using the single application, a user can access and control travel services before arriving at the initial location of travel, on arriving at the initial location of travel, during travel, and after travel. Such services can include, for example, reserving a travel itinerary, checking-in remotely for a reservation, providing airport information, providing for social networking, obtaining dining or entertainment during travel, controlling and requesting cabin services, providing arrival notifications to third parties, providing destination location information, and the like. DN/20100191551: SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING HOTEL SERVICES USING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE This is directed to systems and methods for integrating hotel services in a single application available to a portable electronic device. Using the single application, a user can access and control hotel services before arriving at the hotel, upon arriving at the hotel, in the hotel room, in the local vicinity, and after leaving the hotel. Such services can include, for example, checking-in and checking out, purchasing in-room dining or in-room entertainment, making reservations at local restaurants or local attractions, scheduling hotel guest reminders, and controlling room setting either within the room or outside of the room. DN/20100191578: SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED ACCESS TO HIGH FASHION USING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE This is directed to systems and methods for enhancing a user's experience when shopping for high fashion items. In some embodiments, an integrated application available on an electronic device can provide information for promotional and invitation-only events, allow a user to browse and search through fashion items, recommend fashion items to purchase based on outfits desired by the user, check for the availability of particular fashion items, and view or providing ratings or reviews for stores or fashion items. Be afraid, be very afraid. This is just plain EVIL, and perhaps a preliminary salvo at stiffing creativity. Nice job Apple, really ... and to think I just ordered an iPhone.