It might be because other countries do not have strict patent laws like us. I mean yeah are patent system is a little screwy but its better protected than other countries/regions (like Europe and Asia). Look at the hassle it is to take down software products that infringe on American IPs in other countries in Europe or Asia, but then look how easy it is here in the U.S to take down those rip-offs.

acutally the patent system in america is widely regarded as one of the most exploited in the technological industry (speaking as a professional engineer)

In america, its who gets to the patent office first regardless of who coined the idea. In Europe and the UK you have to physically prove you invented it using evidence and its approved only after a full case is presented.

i'll grant you that in america once you have and own the patent it is rigorously protected, but the flaws lie in that you can patent things which really you havn't invented, which is wrong and should be amended.

@killer- Apparently, and I don't know if this is true or not, Japan has one of the most strict patent systems in the world.