I am developing software that has never been done before.

Keep us updated, or PM me with your updates, I would love to see where you are at on things.

 

Are you serious? Look at the case with RIM to see how something like that might work. For some reason I get the idea that you do not have much experiance with our legal system? What they were talking about are patents on things in software you might use. Such as a variable, titlebar, or window. (sarcasm, well a little.) I do not understand what making multiple tweaked versions will do for you besides waste some time that could have been spent making money? You might have some luck covering every feature with multiple patents and a LOT of work with a good intelectual attorney.

Also, not knowing about a patent you infrenge on is not a legal defense. It only works for defending where you claim independant creation without a patent. A patent is like announcing to the world that you are creating something and you own rights to it. It is kind of like tax law. You may not be able to understand it all, but saying you do not know doesn't change the fact that you may still go to prison.

That being said, good luck on your endevor, and I would say your first worry is about making money, second is whether it gets stolen. If you don't make any money how do you plan on fighting a multi-million dollar battle with the big boys when scary milti-billion dollar counter-suits may be filed?