2006-10-12 08:00:08 · 6 answers · asked by Mark K 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
You can't patent an idea. You can patent a new device or an improvement to an existing one, or an implementable technological process (including software algorithms), but not a pure idea.
Sometimes, you can obtain an innovation certificate for an idea, that is not patentable, but that doesn't give you as much protection as a patent (frankly, it doesn't give you any legal protection at all).
Besides, obtaining a patent, costs money. If you have it, and are willing to spend it on your idea, you are much better off paying somebody to implement a prototype, obtaining financing, and starting a business, then paying for a useless patent.
If you are afraid that a person you hire to implement steals your idea, that is easy to avoid, and you don't need a patent for that.
Just print a one-two pages description of your idea, date it, notarize, and put into a safe-deposit box. That document will confirm your priority to all future claims - i.e., no one, but you will be able to patent or take credit for that idea later.
If you need help implementing that prototype, go here:
http://www.rentacoder.com
2006-10-12 08:35:26 · answer #1 · answered by n0body 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can certainly protect your intellectual property. A patent is not always the best way to go, however, but seeing a patent attorney is very wise. And don't delay. If you lodge your application for protection even moments after another person's whose idea is considered to be the same, you've lost out.
2006-10-12 08:09:48 · answer #2 · answered by Lenky 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure check on the US Patents office website. Even Hyperlinks on web pages were apparently patented.
2006-10-12 08:04:09 · answer #3 · answered by Chris C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you may want to also mail the conception to your self in a approved letter once you're searching for a patent. that's going to certify the date you got here up with the conception if someone tries to take it from you.
2016-10-16 04:39:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if there isn't one already issued.
I would consult a patent attorney.
2006-10-12 08:02:48 · answer #5 · answered by Michael Goodfellow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whats your idea. i dont think you can just sit on an idea and tell other people they cant do it.
find a programer and make your idea into a product or service.
2006-10-12 09:52:41 · answer #6 · answered by fishscale 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋