If I have a new business idea (not a product), how should I protect it?

Question

I'm not sure if I need to get it patented or just send the idea to myself in a self-addressed envelope that I keep unopened. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea.

NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.

You may have a copyright issue depending on what you mean exactly by "new business idea." Again, NOLO is a great place to go for information.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Patent It Yourself (11th Edition) by David Pressman
* Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook by U.S. Department of Commerce
* How To Make Patent Drawings Yourself: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Jack Lo
* The Inventor's Notebook: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Fred E. Grissom

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

It is very, very hard to protect an idea without demonstrating use. If you can put the idea into use, then you can apply for a process patent and other intellectual property protections. Getting a patent without utilizing the idea becomes very difficult, albeit not completely impossible. Check out local patent attorneys, as they are very good at this stuff.