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To encourage inventors, by making it possible for them to make money from their ideas and inventions.
Computer software is unique in that it is protected by patent and copyright. Copyright laws make duplication and distribution illegal, and patent law prevents other companies from using the code for their own programs.
Software is one of the few things protected by both copyright law and patent law. Unless the software is freeware or shareware, or you have a license to copy it, you are limited to one installation.
H.-Joachim Tesmer has written: 'The US patent advantage' -- subject(s): Computer software, Patent laws and legislation, Patents, Business method patents
Patent laws protect inventors from having their ideas or products stolen. To get an idea patent, you can contact a patent attorney in your area.
Under US patent laws, the first to invent has the exclusive right to the patent, even if someone else files for or obtains a patent on a similar invention later. This is not the law in any other country and the US law is changing in March 2013.
Thomas Terrell has written: 'The law and practice relating to letters patent for inventions' -- subject(s): Patent laws and legislation, Patent practice 'Terrell on the law of patents' -- subject(s): Law, Patent, Patent laws and legislation
There were State patent laws in Australia prior to Federation in 1901. After Federation the Federal rather than the State governments assumed responsibility for passing laws on patents
In the United States, Congress has the power to enact new laws concerning intellectual property and to amend existing legislation.
Some international laws apply to India. All Indian national laws apply to all India. Local laws apply in certain areas.
Harold Fisher has written: 'Canadian patent law and practice' -- subject(s): Patent laws and legislation, Patent practice, Canada, Canada. Patent Office
The U.S. Patent Office administers the patent laws as they relate to the granting of patents for inventions and performs other duties relating to patents