Invalidity of patents for promotional games

This is specific only to the patent in question, the court basically said too abstract and therefore invalid subject material. Software patents have the flaw that in describing the steps, you run the risk of claiming the problem and not just a solution. This is analogous in seeking monopoly ovrr a class, not merely an instance (to use OO terminology) which the courts have ruled is unlawful. It judt means that the concept of collect to win by itself is insufficient to deserve protection. Other similar patents may be challenged now a precedent set, but it all depends on the claims