Discussion on:

Software patents: What developers should consider before getting one

There is no checkbox in the patent office for that

Basically you get a patent and then you let it sit there until either someone sues you or if it's worthwhile suing others for infringement. Many people get patents for the reason of raising money. Investors like that.

And anyone who says they are getting it defensively I d like to see them what they would do if another company copies their patent and makes millions.

If you are a poor developer or inventor with a great idea, then just file a provisional patent. It is much cheaper but you have to turn it within 1 year into a real patent if your deem your enterprise worthwhile. You can do this provisional patent on your own. Just study the requirements (google it) . No lawyer needed. Checkout the uspto.gov

"Suing people for writing applications that is covered under your patent is an offensive use of the patent."

I find it perfect this sentence applies, using both meanings of the word "offensive."

since if I put 10 years of my life into developing some software I don't want someone walking all over that and taking it away from me.

But of course, if "another company copies my patent and makes millions", perhaps because they've got ready access to distribution channels or can afford the advertising, I'm hardly going to avoid the obvious action.

But I'm not going to start searching around for every tom dick and harry to try and develop an income stream.