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Can you patent a website Concept?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by Woodcs82, Jun 17, 2007.

  1. #1
    Can you patent a website Concept?

    i probably should ask a lawyer but just curious if anyone knows here.
     
    Woodcs82, Jun 17, 2007 IP
  2. KenYN

    KenYN Peon

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    #2
    Yes, I don't see why not, assuming you can demonstrate the novelty and usefulness of the concept.
     
    KenYN, Jun 17, 2007 IP
  3. browntwn

    browntwn Illustrious Member

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    #3
    No, that is not the best way to protect a normal website. If you have some technical process, you could theoretically file for a patent, but in all likelihood that is not what you need.

    As for someone copying an idea, welcome to capitalism, and just make sure your execution of the idea is best.

    People seem to think they can own a website idea or concept - to the exclusion of others. There is nothing to stop people from competing with you on an idea. There are few instances where this is not true, but in 99% of cases there is no basis nor justification for a patent on a website idea.
     
    browntwn, Jun 17, 2007 IP
    DocuMaker likes this.
  4. KenYN

    KenYN Peon

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    #4
    Browntwn, I see what you're getting at, and many web sites, I suppose, would gain little from patenting, although I could see how the digg or StumbleUpon algorithms, for instance, could have been patented.

    (There's also the design patent for the look-and-feel, but that's another matter...)
     
    KenYN, Jun 17, 2007 IP
  5. checksum

    checksum Notable Member

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    #5
    You can patent specific technology, but you can't patent ideas.
     
    checksum, Jun 17, 2007 IP
  6. Blogmaster

    Blogmaster Blood Type Dating Affiliate Manager

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    #6
    Right, technology based on ideas can be patented!
     
    Blogmaster, Jun 17, 2007 IP
  7. browntwn

    browntwn Illustrious Member

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    #7

    I doubt there is anything patentable about Digg or Stuble anyhow, but even if there were, the Digg like websites are not the ones posting here on DP for free legal advice. At least that is my take on it.

    I freely acknowledge that some websites may have something patentable - unlikely that they would be asking for advice here.
     
    browntwn, Jun 17, 2007 IP
  8. inkslinger

    inkslinger Well-Known Member

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    #8
    If you think like Google, I think you should do :D Google is a patent freak :p
     
    inkslinger, Jun 18, 2007 IP
  9. soldm8

    soldm8 Guest

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    #9
    you can patent a "business method" - ie google adword (as a business method) or an innovation, similar to the business method but has an innovative next step...but you cant patent a website...you can only patent the process, not the design, but the method.

    you can create intellectual property rights to the concept and sell a licencing right. similar to software. or a template.

    if its just a website your automatically protected under the copyright act to that country you reside and host. you can sell the copyrighted material under a reproduction license. you can extend protection by registering it with the American copyright council along w/ all derivatives thereafter.

    patents are useless unless they overcome a real resistance. the guy who invented the saltwater fuel system is someone who would benefit from it - the guy who designs another shovel, is less likely to find a great supply demand in his market. imho

    and then theres software...well upon publishing that then in 1min flat an innovation patent will be lodged on it and more likely it would be developed faster than you can get it to market.

    being first to market is better than getting lots of patents for $1000's of dollars that may not guarantee success - unless...its unique to the world.

    hope that helps
     
    soldm8, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  10. Woodcs82

    Woodcs82 Well-Known Member

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    #10
    Thank you very much Soldm8

    I really appreciate the input

    If anyone disagrees with Soldm8 please share your input.
     
    Woodcs82, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  11. hmansfield

    hmansfield Guest

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    #11
    Pretty much sums it up. A website is merely the marketing medium like TV, or Radio.
    You can protect the content because the words are truly the only thing you really own.
    You are renting everything else.
     
    hmansfield, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  12. browntwn

    browntwn Illustrious Member

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    #12
    A lot of it does not apply to US law. There is no "innovation patent" for example, I think that is an Austrailian legal provision.
     
    browntwn, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  13. ablaye

    ablaye Well-Known Member

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    #13
    Well said. Short answer for your case, No.
     
    ablaye, Jun 19, 2007 IP
  14. Intepat

    Intepat Peon

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    #14
    Yes, you can patent the concept behind the website and not the website.
     
    Intepat, Dec 15, 2009 IP
  15. wptheme

    wptheme Well-Known Member

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    #15
    avoid digging up old threads please.
     
    wptheme, Dec 17, 2009 IP
  16. ashokdhan

    ashokdhan Well-Known Member

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    #16
    I have a person who can help out in this. Pm me
     
    ashokdhan, Apr 18, 2015 IP
  17. Daniel Ejoni

    Daniel Ejoni Greenhorn

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    #17
    i would say no but not queiet shure
     
    Daniel Ejoni, Apr 20, 2015 IP
  18. browntwn

    browntwn Illustrious Member

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    #18
    You look foolish. You're only 6 years late. Offering a useless service to boot.
     
    browntwn, Apr 20, 2015 IP
    malky66 likes this.
  19. TB Ann

    TB Ann Banned

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    #19
    eventually your concept will be copied and probably do even better than yours. being copied is inevitable i must say
     
    TB Ann, Apr 20, 2015 IP
  20. webmaster44

    webmaster44 Member

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    #20
    OMG... Jun 18, 2007 thread bumped with latest suggestions....
     
    webmaster44, Apr 22, 2015 IP