Although the EP has officiall dropped the software patent idea
(06-Jul-2005 - http://www.nosoftwarepatents.com/en/m/intro/index.html ) the issue is still alive and kicking, perpetuated by some of it's original promoters
(06-Oct-2005 - http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=26743 )

It now appears that the big names who have a lot invested in the support services of Open Software have become nervous enough to start thinking protectively about the future of their income in the Open Software support service industry.
(10-Nov-2005 - http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051110/tc_nm/linux_dc )

This is a smart move, but we have to hope that the collaboration will hold true to their intentions.

I think that they will, as well as they can, otherwise they would be cutting into their own revenue streams in the long run.

The temptation to alter the original premise may be there in the future.
However, if the patent collection becomes large enough it may then become subject to international regulation (as a sweeping change may have significant effect on smaller and developing countries and their governments).

Something new in the arena to watch and muse on, though.