I have a question, if anybody can answer that would be great. I'm American, looking to start selling a product. However, the product originated from China, and has a Chinese patent. I know the owner of the patent, and have permission to sell it (from word of mouth, no legal documents). Would it be illegal for me to sell it in the USA if it has a Chinese Patent? Also, can I register it for a USA patent?
If you have oral permission then there should be no problem getting a written permission. You should have this before selling the product (unless you are getting it from the permitted manufacturer.) No, you cannot register for a US patent. Only the original inventor can do that.
Thanks. Also, in America, I know you can transfer a patent, can he do that too? Also, he hasn't given me a written document because it'd cost like $60 to ship without it being damaged.
Are you trying to resell his product or are you making something similar? Because reselling something he already made does not require a patent.