The Inquirer has currently, due to Nokia's patent suit against Apple, an Internet poll asking people about their opinion about patents.
Certainly, everybody knows that such such surveys are not scientifically based and the Inquirer probably attracts a log on anti-patent crowds. However, it is still interesting that only 4% selected to answer with the true reason that patents have been originally enacted (and it is still the only reason for given the US Congress the power to enact such legislation), namely to create an environment for innovation.