Pattent SEO strategy

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.

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!

come again for big fudge.
patent a seo strategy ??

This is a first.

Sorry guys I didn't get you...

Using an idea for systems interoperability is considered fair use.

If your goal is to make two systems cooperate or more compatible (patents search and your platform) then it is fair use and you can freely develop it.

By nature, patents are open and public, so I think you're pretty much covered there.

BTW color me surprised too about this "SEO patent" shit, that's the most absurd thing I've heard since patenting the mouse click.

LMAO must be some next level SEO strategy!

It's is really an automatization of something any mid-lvl SEO does manually (a lot already has automatize it).

That is why I think I can move forward with this project, since otherwise they are patenting SEO best practices so to speak.

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?