Patent in US apply to other countries?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by Froggie, Sep 10, 2006.

  1. #1
    If there is a patent in the US that describes a process of doing a certain thing. How far can the company thats holding that patent go as far as persuing legal action against someone living in Canada?
    I want to start this idea that I have but then I found out that its patented by a company in the US and I live in Canada


    thanks,
     
    Froggie, Sep 10, 2006 IP
  2. Nonny

    Nonny Notable Member

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    #2
    A couple of things to think about:

    - does the company also have a patent in Canada? Most companies file for patents all over the world.
    Here is the Canadian patent database: http://patents1.ic.gc.ca/intro-e.html

    - would you be doing business within the US? Just living in a different country doesn't mean that your US business wouldn't be vulnerable.

    It's complicated - look at the recent Blackberry patent litigation, for example here is an analysis and another article about the reach of US patent law in foreign countries.

    If I were you, I would consult an attorney who specializes in international patent law.
     
    Nonny, Sep 11, 2006 IP