It is now possible, at least in the United States, to obtain a patent on a method of doing business electronically. Invent a novel business models and you may gain a 20 year monopoly on that model - a powerful competitive advantage. While this trend is in its infancy, it is predicted to become much more common. Of course, patents may also protect the technologies underlying electronic commerce. The US Patent and Trademark Office maintains both full text and bibliographic databases.
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Espace European, PCT and Japanese patent information. Also available at EU country sites - i.e. U.K . The following links provide searchable databases that can assist in tracking down rights holders. Accessible by Telnet and TN3270. Contains searchable database of rights holders it represents.