Patenting of Internet and e-Commerce: An International View

Abstract

The large growth of the software industry has lead to an increase in the desire to protect software-related inventions. e-Commerce basically is doing business using computer systems and software, the rise of e-Commerce has led to a large increase in the number of patents on computer-implemented methods of doing business. Keeping in mind that software patents are a relatively new phenomenon, this paper deals with (i) the legal issues concerning patenting of Internet and e-Commerce and (ii) certain pitfalls in regard to e-Commerce patenting. The paper also touches upon various views of the US courts in regard to e-Commerce patenting.