A couple must-read articles that discuss the rise of the “idea as a product.” Essentially, value is shifting from the ability to make something to the innovation itself, which relates to what Fraser talked about on SHARKRIDE here. See also his follow-up thoughts here.

BW cover story: “Inside Nathan Myhrvold’s Mysterious New Idea Machine”

Business 2.0 July 2006 story [will link when article is available online]: “The Patent Machine — How Chicago startup Ocean Tomo plans to become the do-it-all player of the intellectual property area”

[UPDATE (7-10-06): “Do Patents Encourage or Stifle Innovation?” A great summary of a patent discussion at a recent Union Square Sessions event is available here.]