Business Method Patents for E-Commerce -- Development in International Experiences, Implications and Problems

Business method patents have increasingly been sought and used in the field of E-Commerce. Despite controversies, relevant international experiences steadily develop, including practices of E-Commerce companies as well as efforts from judicial and legislative bodies. In applying relevant rules, tests for patent ability and relevant requirements differ in countries, even constantly changing within some jurisdictions themselves. These situations leave uncertain business risks for E-Commerce businesses as well as problems for public policy makers to balance relevant conflicting interests. It´s necessary for E-Commerce businesses to understand the related main issues and their implications, managing to better take advantage of this useful new form of legal tool while avoiding risks.