ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Software patent

Software patents are kind of like special rules that limit and protect the way computer software is used. When someone creates a computer program, they can get a special rule that stops anyone else from making, selling, or using their program without permission. That special rule is called a software patent. So if you have a software patent, it means you don't need to worry that someone else will copy what you created and use it without your approval.