wrote:
Nor can you get one in the UK once the idea has been disclosed. In the
US you have 12 months from first public disclosure.

Same everywhere, the application must concern an idea that is "not in
the public domain" - a phrase that means describing it on tv/radio/
print/in a lecture open to the public - basically anything that isn't
a "private communication".


Prior art:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Park

(Written in 1981) The operators of the park use a system of relocatable
dwelling units, which are located by crane and plug in to central
services, as staff housing. You *might* be able to claim that using the
same idea for shops is novel enough to get a patent, but I doubt it.

--
Tciao for Now!

John.