Question: Johann plans to obtain patent protection for his device in Germany, France, the USA, and Japan. (Note that applying for patents is expensive - even large companies, such as IBM, limit the number of countries in which they apply for patents.)
a. Why should Johann obtain patent protection for this device? How will such patent protection be beneficial to him?
b. What dangers does he face if he does not obtain patent protection for the device?
c. What are the drawbacks associated with obtaining patents for the device?
d. If the Chinese start producing his device without his permission, are they breaking the law? Explain your response.
e. If the Chinese export the device to Germany without Johann's approval, are they breaking the law? Explain your response.