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SEO patent

by nicoms91
3 replies
  • SEO
    • |
Hi! I was thinking to build a SaaS platform to implement a SEO strategy in client's sites. The strategy is already used by several sites, so it isn't totally unknown.

The thing is, I spotted a direct competitor, that is doing the same thing. I investigate it a little bit and he has patent this "SEO strategy" a couple of years ago (2014). I don't really now how "legal" is to patent a SEO strategy or if am could build something similar as long as the system is not exactly the same as the one from my competitor.

Another point I have noticed, patents are only valid in the the country they are issued (the patent is issued in the US), so if I register my company in Panama for example, will this patent restriction affect me? Can I still offer my services in the US?

I know that my question is not very precise, and I will consult with an attorney, but I wanted to know if anyone here had some experiences about this issue.

Thanks in advance!
#patent #seo
  • Profile picture of the author LukaB
    Banned
    I really don't think its possible to patent these things...

    What is patented exactly? What do you mean by SEO technique? A form of link building or a specific tool they have built?

    SEO moves so quickly that in 6 months I would be surprised if anything they patented even works any more.

    Also, could you not just build the tool anyway, just keep it quiet and make sure he doesn't know. You could probably still make a killing ranking people/businesses locally without having to go down the SaaS route
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    • Profile picture of the author nicoms91
      It's more like a form of automating some white-hat techniques, it's good and I would guess is going to work in the long term, but my doubt is if it is possible to take possession of something like that, is lo doing a monopoly.

      On the other hand, I really want to make sure that all is legally ok with this, since I would prefer to get some big clients and I know this guys are going to hear about me sooner or later.
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      • Profile picture of the author automathings
        Amazon patented One Click, so patenting software is definitely possible. However, patents are relatively easy to get and who knows if it would stand up to court challenge.

        I imagine that the worst that would happen is that you'd have to cough up some royalties, but consult proper legal counsel to be sure. This is probably not the best place to ask such questions.
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