&#62;EU does not recognize software patents<p>This is entirely incorrect. Despite the wording of the EPC disallowing patenting of software "as such". That little couple of words on the end means that you can patent software - the old term was that it required a "technical contribution" or "technical effect" though there have been decisions on this since I was working in the field (particularly Aerotel/Macrosan in the UK).<p><a href="http://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-policy-computer.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-policy-computer.htm</a> is a reasonable and short summary.