This document discusses issues around software patents and potential solutions. It is divided into three parts. Part 1 provides a brief history of patents and questions whether patents protect ideas or products. Part 2 notes that patent lawsuits are costly and increasing, and are not spurring innovation as developers must avoid patent thickets. Part 3 outlines various proposed solutions to reform the patent system from the judicial, legislative, policy, and community levels to address problems with software patents.