> But I never heard that quick sort was ever patented. Why is that?
Quick sort is from a time before the USA decided that algorithms could be patented. In fact, most foundational algorithms of computer science are from that time. IMO, the development of computer science would have been hampered for a couple of decades had it been possible to patent algorithms back then; we're very lucky that this wasn't the case.
Quick sort is from a time before the USA decided that algorithms could be patented. In fact, most foundational algorithms of computer science are from that time. IMO, the development of computer science would have been hampered for a couple of decades had it been possible to patent algorithms back then; we're very lucky that this wasn't the case.