Originally Posted By: siberia37
Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems like no companies actually checks to see if they are violating a patent before releasing a product.

I believe that's because if you checked for patents first, and got caught releasing an infringing product, you've moved into the willful infringer category, and are liable for treble damages. Better to just believe that nothing but your own stuff is patented.

Software patents are stupid.