is there such thing as a global patent for a business idea?

Question

for example, if i find an interesting business operating in taiwan on australia, is it possible for me to bring it back to my home country and do the same thing? how can you find out for sure if you're not infringing at patent rights.

Answer 1

No such thing as a "Global" patent as a single patent. In order to come close to a global patent, a patent must be applied for in every country that protection is desired. An extremely expensive process. Your question would depend on whether or not the US
honors a patent from another country. This may be the case.
If a patent is granted in the US and no other country, any other country can produce and sell that product any where in the world, EXCEPT, the US. You would have to run a patent search on the product in question. One can do this on line but to a very limited extent. Only in Washington can one find the entire records. Attorneys are expensive. They have complete knowledge and access for internet searches.

Answer 2

It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea.

To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here's the USPTO's definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what else the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Patent It Yourself (11th Edition) by David Pressman
* Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook by U.S. Department of Commerce
* How To Make Patent Drawings Yourself: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Jack Lo
* The Inventor's Notebook: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Fred E. Grissom

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

if there's a "global patent" then there won't be widespread problems with copyright & intellectual property infringements in China.

if you start your own idea in your home country. would you want someone to copy your idea somewhere else (and not reward you for it)?