Is it the machine, or is it the vertical application of the machine?

James DeGraw of Ropes & Gray joined us to discuss "The Impact of Software Patents on Technology Practice." The main focus was the case State Street Bank & Trust Co. v. Signature Financial Group, Inc.. Mr. DeGraw, a former computer programmer, represented State Street Bank in this case, and discussed at the Berkman Center his thoughts on business method patents, how they relate to software, and what the implications of such patents are for the future.