Patent a website?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by athlonin, Dec 5, 2005.

  1. #1
    Can you patent the way a website works? For example, could digg.com patent the voting method used to promote stories to the front page (not saying this is a unique idea, but if it was)? Or could milliondollarhomepage.com have patented the idea of selling blocks of pixels on a website?
     
    athlonin, Dec 5, 2005 IP
  2. dkalweit

    dkalweit Well-Known Member

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    #2
    Last I knew, Microsoft patented the idea of "not equals"(legitimately-- a patented was truely granted and this was not a joke), so I'd say sure. How well that patent will stand up to scrutiny is another matter entirely.

    Of course, I am not a lawyer.


    --
    Derek
     
    dkalweit, Dec 5, 2005 IP
  3. Blogmaster

    Blogmaster Blood Type Dating Affiliate Manager

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    #3
    There are search engine optimization firms out there that have patented their ranking strategies, so my answer would be yes ... I believe if you have the budget for the right lawyer, you will be able to patent the concept of your site.
     
    Blogmaster, Dec 5, 2005 IP
  4. briandunning

    briandunning Active Member

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    #4
    Yes, you can. (I have two patents.) They are not worth getting IMHO. By the time it's finally awarded - usually a couple of years - the business process is irrelevant. And the costs are very high.
     
    briandunning, Dec 5, 2005 IP
  5. Phidippides

    Phidippides Peon

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    #5
    It seems kind of pointless to me. You might be better off safeguarding your secrets than trying to patent the way a website works.
     
    Phidippides, Dec 5, 2005 IP
  6. keral82

    keral82 Banned

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    #6
    Anybody have all the the information about patent of website please let me know .
    What is the procedure for that ?

    Thanks
     
    keral82, Dec 5, 2005 IP
  7. marketjunction

    marketjunction Well-Known Member

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    #7
    You can patent something on website, but you can't patent the entire website. For example, Amazon patented their one-click method years ago.

    You should contact an IP lawyer. If you want to read more on patents, go here.

    It will cost you money, potentially a great deal.

    It does not mean it is "safe", it just means you have the right to spend money in legal fees to pursue those who violate your rights.
     
    marketjunction, Dec 8, 2005 IP
  8. gworld

    gworld Prominent Member

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    #8
    The best place to start with is www.uspto.gov , There are some do it yourself patent books also. It is best to start and prepare as much as you can before going to a lawyer, otherwise it can get quite expensive.
     
    gworld, Dec 9, 2005 IP
  9. Intepat

    Intepat Peon

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    #9
    Yes, you can patent concept behind the website and not the website itself. However, such kind of idea can not be patentable in India.
     
    Intepat, Dec 15, 2009 IP