Perhaps a soupcon of research would do you well when discussing software patents.
From the forbes.com
Centre court erupts, albeit with slight hesitation caused by a soupcon of disbelief.
From the guardian.co.uk
There's a soupcon of Hot Chip and a smidgen of Vampire Weekend in their promising makeup.
From the guardian.co.uk
He was charming, handsome, ever so neurotic, with a soupcon of world-weariness tossed in for good measure.
From the kentucky.com
There is no menace about her as there is, just a soupcon of it, in the psychology of Judith Collins.
From the nzherald.co.nz
Bagel, whitefish, baked salmon and cream cheese, enlivened with a hit of horseradish and a soupcon of fresh dill.
From the sfgate.com
It could use a soupcon of rowdy humor and boisterous interplay to take that warm glow all the way up to sparkle.
From the orlandosentinel.com
The chefs serve up classic French fare with a healthy soupcon of modern creativity, while the waitstaff is vigilant but unobtrusive.
From the businessweek.com
That leaves a soupcon and a scosh.
From the heraldtribune.com
More examples
Touch: a slight but appreciable amount; "this dish could use a touch of garlic"
Soupu00E7ons (French for "Suspicions", also known as Death on the Staircase and The Staircase) is a 2004 French television miniseries by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade documenting the trial of Michael Peterson, accused of murdering his wife, Kathleen Peterson.
A very small amount; a hint; a trace; A suspicion; a suggestion