> Then put the entire source code required for it into the patent
Some do. But patents already have an enablement requirement. This means that they must teach in sufficient detail for a person skilled in the art to carry out the claimed invention. That's what the whole Detailed description of the invention section is. Skip the claims and read the description. You might want the code; me, I want the design doc. That section should be clear and if it isn't, chances are it isn't enabling.
If you don't enable, you'll probably get an office action (rejection) and if you don't (lazy examiner), you'll definitely lose when the patent gets challenged.
In fact, most patents are written to be as broadly applicable as possible. The enablement requirement applies to all patents.
Seaborg patented element 95. That's pretty broad. However, people aren't saying get rid of manufacturing utility patents because folks are patenting elements.
Some do. But patents already have an enablement requirement. This means that they must teach in sufficient detail for a person skilled in the art to carry out the claimed invention. That's what the whole Detailed description of the invention section is. Skip the claims and read the description. You might want the code; me, I want the design doc. That section should be clear and if it isn't, chances are it isn't enabling.
If you don't enable, you'll probably get an office action (rejection) and if you don't (lazy examiner), you'll definitely lose when the patent gets challenged.