Patents or registrations, there seems to be those who will take "shortcuts" by using others' work as their own, no matter where in the world you spotlight (and, from what I hear, the practices are common enough in the US, too ...).
All the reason to question, and ask, when something seems off, or does not seem to be fully disclosed. There is nothing for anyone to lose when all is well, and only knowledge to gain, even if it may mean sometimes leaving off the pursuit of a particular thing if it is not adding up with sound resolution.
