If you want a good intro to the damage caused by software patents, or are looking to illuminate some non-technical people on the issue, I recommend this radio show:
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/441/when-patents-atta...
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"[W]e have invented the technology to eliminate scarcity, but we are deliberately throwing it away to benefit those who profit from scarcity." -John Gilmore