[QQ]Several activists who oppose software patents say that Microsoft's patent is not a "sensible use" of the patenting system because the idea of the long, short and double clicks is neither novel or non-obvious.[/QQ]

If the patent was in place for an advanced and innovative program/package, then I'd understand. But...double clicking? I can't believe that Microsoft actually managed to patent double clicking. Who on earth made the judgment call on that one?

[QQ]"It is almost beyond parody that Microsoft has been able to do this," says Ian Brown of the Foundation for Information Policy Research in London, UK.[/QQ]

And I agree with him. However, it's not almost beyond parody. It is beyond parody.

I believe that Microsoft are damaging their reputation by pulling stunts like this on a regular basis. First of all, they sue the owner of website: mikerowsoft.com. Then, they sue other smaller companies for "little bits of things" that don't even affect them in any way. Then, they patent double clicking? All these things are painting a horrible picture of the corporation. Instead of being viewed by families as a nice, friendly, helpful company, they're being seen as an evil, money grabbing bunch of whiners.