best way to check if an idea violates copyrights?

Question

There's a similar question here -- http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=1006021805578 -- but the answers don't address everything. I have an idea that will combine and enhance things that already exist (but I don't know if its public domain or simply uncopyrightable). What is the best way to find out if I'll be violating any copyrights? I don't want to search the USPTO database, I want someone else to do it and be bound by it. How much can something like this cost? Thanks.

By "copyright" I meant "intellectual property" of any kind.

Answer 1

Without knowing further details, it's hard to say what direction you should go.

You mention you have "an idea that will combine and enhance things that already exist" -- this almost sounds like a patent to me.

To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here's the USPTO's definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

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.

For a patent attorney, the average hourly rate is anywhere from $200-300/hour.

But again, a patent may not be appropriate for you. I'd strongly suggest either contacting a intellectual property research company or an intellectual property attorney and explain your idea so you can be pointed in the right direction. Any reputable company will be happy to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement first.

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

Answer 2

Copyrights usually only protect materials (written word, music, images etc.). So "ideas" or inventions are typically protected with a patent. And you might want to consider doing the search yourself, if you share your "idea" with someone else before it has any protection, there's nothing to stop that third party claiming they already had the idea, and claiming it for their own!

Good luck! I hope you make a gazzilion dollars!

Here are some resources you might find useful:

http://www.uspto.gov/

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

http://www.copyright.gov/