Steps to protect a new idea

[DJ-Sound]

I've got a few new concepts that I'm about to persue. Wanted to share some steps I'm taking to protect and develop my idea and if I'm missing something please post.


1. put idea on paper
2. analyize target market (make sure its gonna work)
3. work out details (name, domain, budget and improvements, marketing, etc)
4. file patent on concept (if serious)
5. hire programmers to make the concept
6. file trademark on name
7. hire designers to make a professional website design
8. file copyright for website
9. beta test and begin marketing campaign
10. enter bankruptcy or top 1000 richest people.

 

[abdulmueid]

I just want to add that make a safe backup of everything somewhere.

 

[kpm547]

What's the new concept?

 

[abdulmueid]

I guess that will be revealed after all the safety measures have been taken...

 

[domainSPOTLIGHT]

Are many online "concepts" patented? It doesn't seem like it.
I am not a patent expert but it seems like many online ideas are not patentable.

I think priceline had their process pantented, and spent millions protecting it.

I guess it depends on how revolutionary the process/product is.

 

[Refrozen]

Are many online "concepts" patented? It doesn't seem like it.
I am not a patent expert but it seems like many online ideas are not patentable.

I think priceline had their process pantented, and spent millions protecting it.

I guess it depends on how revolutionary the process/product is.

Amazon and Google patent everything they do... so does MS, but that's not really online.

 

[domainSPOTLIGHT]

Amazon and Google patent everything they do... so does MS, but that's not really online.

I have no idea what Amazon.com has patented... would love to know what they are. I think they tried to patent their 1-click purchase procedure, but somehow it didn't work out since hundreds of other sites use it (yahoo for example)

 

[primacomputer]

Don't waste your time trying to patent a “concept” you patent a machine or a process, not an idea. You probably want to spend a bit of time with a lawyer and a bit of time with a programmer between steps 2 and 3. If you want to work out a budget you'll need to know what it's going to cost to develop. And you will want to talk to a lawyer before you talk to the programmer.

 

[DJ-Sound]

Don't waste your time trying to patent a “concept” you patent a machine or a process, not an idea.

lol

the majoirty of all patents are ideas.... you don't have to make something to protect the concept of it.

 

[primacomputer]

“WHAT CAN BE PATENTED
A patent cannot be obtained upon a mere idea or suggestion. The patent is granted upon the new machine, manufacture, etc., as has been said, and not upon the idea or suggestion of the new machine. A complete description of the actual machine or other subject matter for which a patent is sought is required.”
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/what.htm

 

[Zeeble]

“WHAT CAN BE PATENTED
A patent cannot be obtained upon a mere idea or suggestion. The patent is granted upon the new machine, manufacture, etc., as has been said, and not upon the idea or suggestion of the new machine. A complete description of the actual machine or other subject matter for which a patent is sought is required.”
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/what.htm

Just what I was about to say.
You cannot patent an idea as it restricts others freedome. It must be something which has been built before it can be patented.

 

[DJ-Sound]

hmm, so idea is not the right word. You can patent website concepts (ie process)though, I've seen at least 1,000 but I know theres alot more. In the pictures when submitting a patent you just make the concept (idea) into a picture with boxes showing what it does. Just do a search and you'll see that a great deal are not physical at all. I don't know too much about it though, I just have a lawyer that helps me run my business legally.

 

[Zeeble]

The best thing to do when you have a unique idea is to describe it, and send it to yourself via registered mail and leave it unopenend. This proves the date of the idea and also that it was yours.

 

[G_Gekko]

No. you don't have to have built anything to patent it. It is also possible to patent a use of a certain technology. An example is that I theoretically could patent the use of asphalt to cure cancer, if that worked that is.

 

[primacomputer]

I think it's worth clarifying one point. There is a difference between what you “can” patent, and what you can obtain an enforceable patent for. It's technically true that you “can” patent anything. The patent reviewers don't know what they are doing and regularly approve patents they shouldn't. These patents are unenforceable and provide you no protection.

Also, you don't actually need to build something, but you do need to describe your invention in detail. You can't patent an idea like “A website that sells cars”. You would need to describe the process your site would use and it would have to be new and not an obvious way to do things.

 

[Zeeble]

No. you don't have to have built anything to patent it. It is also possible to patent a use of a certain technology. An example is that I theoretically could patent the use of asphalt to cure cancer, if that worked that is.

Thats just splitting hairs. The point is that the physical evidence needs to be available!