Good Idea to Allow Thought Patents?

Michael Crichton has a NYT Op-Ed on the rise of overly broad patents. In particular, patents on thoughts and strategies may proove problematic if the trend isn't stopped. I was unaware that for a period of time, up until 1996, doctors were sueing each other for using patented surgical techniques. Currently, the gene for diabetes is patented (according to the Crichton article). The patent holder thereby controls _any_ genetic based tests or treatments.