Since the rights granted by a U.S. patent extend only throughout the territory of the United States and have no effect in a foreign country, an inventor who wishes patent protection in other countries must apply for a patent in each of the other countries or in regional patent offices. Almost every country has its own patent law, and a person desiring a patent in a particular country must make an application for patent in that country, in accordance with the requirements of that country.
Tempest in a teacup on so many levels.
Besides, patent hasn't even been granted. Might never be, if dooglus is on the money.
Well, it's possible that the patent never materializes in reality. However things tend to happen very fast in the Bitcoin universe. Therefore it seems appropriate to be prepared for the worst. When it comes to financial software, it's always good to have slightly paranoid people like Peter Todd on board. Better be safe than sorry.
Clearly this is not about being against innovation. The problem is, that this kind of innovation might not be equally available to all miners, which poses the risk of a malevolent mining cartel.
ya.ya.yo!