Applying patent after launch

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by vincent_aa, Feb 26, 2010.

  1. #1
    I've designed a pattern to extract a user's preference in my social networking site and make use of extraction. But I don't have extra money to apply a patent for my design.
    I wanted to know if I have chances to apply a patent after launch? In case it works and other websites are copying my design.
     
    vincent_aa, Feb 26, 2010 IP
  2. bernadus

    bernadus Peon

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    #2
    Its no use if other site already copying your content and make a patent for it.
     
    bernadus, Feb 26, 2010 IP
  3. xanth

    xanth Active Member

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    #3
    My company is affiliated with people who do this for a living - it's called a provisional patent. You can spend a fraction of the cost of a regular patent and gives you time to determine whether the cost justifies filing and the costs necessary while providing a measure of protection.
     
    xanth, Feb 26, 2010 IP
  4. vincent_aa

    vincent_aa Peon

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    #4
    Thanks bernadus. I think I will try to apply for a patent before launch.
     
    vincent_aa, Feb 26, 2010 IP
  5. vincent_aa

    vincent_aa Peon

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    #5
    Xanth, how much would that cost for a provisional patent?
     
    vincent_aa, Feb 26, 2010 IP
  6. Nonny

    Nonny Notable Member

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    #6
    I would say the first thing to do is to hire a patent agent (or patent attorney) to do a comprehensive search of the prior art to determine if your invention is even patentable.

    If it looks like it is, then consider filing for a provisional patent. You definitely want an expert to help write it up, since a poorly written patent can be pretty worthless.

    Do not publicly disclose any information about your invention until you've squared away the patent issues. That means you definitely shouldn't launch your product until you have filed the provisional patent, if that's what you decide to do.

    This appears to have pretty good advice:
    http://www.carrip.com/CM/Resources/ReviewIPChecklistTexasLawyer.pdf

    And if you've already publicly disclosed your invention, that means the clock is ticking to submit to the patent office.
     
    Nonny, Feb 27, 2010 IP
  7. DubDubDubDot

    DubDubDubDot Peon

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    #7
    Don't bother with a website patent. Nobody respects them.

    There are patents covering just about everything we do online. A handful of companies have tried to enforce their patents over the years with little to no results.

    I'm not trying to sound like rogue webmaster in saying this. It's just the way it is.
     
    DubDubDubDot, Feb 27, 2010 IP
  8. vincent_aa

    vincent_aa Peon

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    #8
    Thank you Nonny. Thank you DubDubDubDot. I think both of you are right. I will try to ask for advice about my design from some entrepreneurs, and then decide whether I should do it officially or take my chances.
     
    vincent_aa, Feb 28, 2010 IP
  9. milo_pl

    milo_pl Well-Known Member

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    #9
    It's looong way to patent anything that is digital (online) and not really worth it.
     
    milo_pl, Feb 28, 2010 IP
  10. Nonny

    Nonny Notable Member

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    #10
    I would not disclose your invention to anyone but a patent agent or attorney. Any sort of public disclosure of your invention could come back and bite you if you do decide to apply for a patent.
     
    Nonny, Feb 28, 2010 IP