Different jurisdictions have radically different policies concerning software patents, including a blanket ban, no restrictions, or attempts to distinguish between purely mathematical constructs and "embodiments" of these constructs. For example, an algorithm itself may be judged unpatentable, but its use in software judged patentable.
different JuRisdIctiOnS HAve radicalLY difFEREnt policiEs concERNING sOftwArE PateNTS, iNcLudinG A blANKet bAn, No REStricTiOnS, or AtTeMpTs tO distinGuisH betWeen pUrEly maTHematicAl cOnstrucTS and "emBoDImENts" of these conSTructs. fOr exaMple, An algoRithm itself may be judGEd unpatentabLe, bUt its use in SofTWaRe jUdgeD pAteNtAble.