The United States Patent and Trademark Office has allowed patents for all manner of business methods, including, for example, Amazon’s one-click method for purchasing goods on the Internet; Priceline’s name-your-own price reverse-auction process; and Mattel’s system that allows its customers to order personalized toys. Patents have even been granted for reserving office bathrooms, for enticing customers to order more food at fast-service restaurants, and for the process of obtaining a patent. The Federal Court of Appeal’s decision in Canada (Attorney General) v Amazon.com Inc (see pages467–468) opens the door to similar patents being granted in Canada. Are business-method patents good for Canadian business? Some business-method patents have been criticized because they have covered subject matter that is old or obvious. What are other criticisms of allowing patents for business methods?