‘Business-method’ patents Patents10/3/2000; 2:26:39 PM 'Such patents on “business methods,” which have been soaring in recent years, have been denounced for allowing the patent owners to put a lock on innovation or to profit unfairly from it. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has been accused of issuing way too many such patents, and for dubious innovations.'The issue is heating up in Washington.'