Okay so I have an idea for a subscription service, which will require users to input data which will allow them to be notified on certain updates I choose given their input(s). This is a new concept that I am persuing which will incorporate some technologies that are currently on the market, but I will need to program (or have someone program, since I have limited knowledge) most of the code for the tasks, and probably make my own Bot (which I have no idea how to do). Since this is a new idea and I dont want it wo be copied, what would be the best way to protect it? Copyright or Patent? Id like the idea itself to be protected, as well as the coding scripts that I have made, or make myself so it is unique and not able to be copied in the exact form without legal ramifications. Also what is the best way to go about this (given that I am working on a VERY strict budget and havent even begun the production phase, but before I get advice on the idea itself I want to make sure my concept is protected so if anyone along or involved in the process will not be able to copy it. I will make everyone who works on the project sign a non-compete and/or non-disclosure agreement) Thanks for any advice!
Copyright is for protecting a specific expression of an idea. You can copyright a book but not the ideas in it. What you're looking for is a patent. However, based on how you describe it, it doesn't sound very novel, so you may not have much luck getting a patent awarded. Then again, sometimes they really drop the ball and award patents for the most ridiculous things, so who knows, you could get lucky. The individual scripts are protected by copyright, but anyone who wants to duplicate your business would probably want to write their own anyway.
Yeah it doesnt sound novel cause I tried to describe it in the vaguest terms possible forgive me But yanno... protection etc... Thanks for the advice!!! How Much should I be expecting to pay for a patent?? (I dont really have like of money for this...)
theres no way to protect your idea. If there was, there would be only 1 search engine, only 1 social networking site, only 1 email, etc... if your idea is good, i guarantee you that there will be copies out there.
oh there will I am absolutely sure of it but you know what they say about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery etc... I just want to be known as the Original etc... so when google buys the concept for $785 million like they did with that dude from the admob (i think) service...they know who to come looking for lol
Google will come looking for whoever does the best job implementing the idea, not for the person who was first on the web with it.
but if your first, chances of you being able to work out the kinks (and thus improve your tactics and be the best.) are hedged in your favor
if the ideas good there will be a 100 other people doing it as soon as you pop up, they will have more money and dump it with money, google finds the most popular not the first!
which is why i want to make sure I stake my claim.. I know everyone will be on it like wolves... but I figure if I get some angel investors and really do it right, I should have nothing to fear