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2
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5answers
226 views

How to make US Software Patent Application by UK-based startup?

We are a UK-based web start-up and as far as I know it is not possible to patent software in the UK or EU (IMHO a good thing). But we would like to protect ourselves in the US by making a provisional ...
2
votes
4answers
108 views

Where to Search for Software Prior-Art?

The USPTO has issued alot of software and Internet patents that are pretty worthless because the USPTO does a terrible job of collecting prior art in this area. Other than www.spi.org (who I believe ...
1
vote
3answers
90 views

protect using a provisional patent

Suppose A filed a provisional application yesterday. Today, B files an application that is very similar to A's, and says 'her' idea is unique and patent pending. Will B get the benefits of her ...
1
vote
2answers
286 views

Can I copyright or otherwise protect a business vision/strategy?

I am involved as a cofounder in a tech/software company. My associate is bringing initial funding and is conversant with finance/accounting, facilities/infrastructure and general organizational ...
1
vote
3answers
138 views

How to publish a new technology without having patent?

I invented a new software based hardware technology which can solve many problems. I know getting a patent takes a very long time and is not an easy task. Do I have to apply and wait to get a patent ...
1
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4answers
197 views

Can I patent something like this?

Assume there is no one doing type as you search. And I am the first one to do it, can I patent this application? If not, please explain. Thank you.
1
vote
1answer
934 views

Is it possible to patent a programming language?

I am considering inventing a new specialized programming language, which should increase the human/computer communication speed considerably. I, therefore, have two questions: Is it possible to get ...
1
vote
1answer
109 views

App developed in company time has potential to be sold commercially. Need advise

Situation I work on the public sector and have developed a web app for internal use to handle a department's business process. The application has been a success according to its users. Some of the ...
1
vote
1answer
97 views

How to find out if a particular feature one is using is patented?

I have been searching around a lot on this topic, but did not find a single source of correct information. How can one find out if a particular feature one is using in one of its products is patented ...
1
vote
1answer
59 views

Once I apply for a patent, when can I start looking for manufacturers and engineers?

I have a (hardware) technology idea that several companies might be interested to compete with once created. Once I apply for a patent, can I proceed to scout for manufacturers, hire engineers, etc. ...
1
vote
2answers
297 views

Can prior art invalidate existing patents?

Let's imagine a patent has been issued by the USPTO in 2008. However, in 2010, someone discovers the invention has already been mentioned in a book in 2005. For the sake of the argument, let's assume ...
1
vote
3answers
127 views

Patent a process

Are there any resources you guys can help me find to patent a process for a web app I have developed. Or give any advice or steps to get the process started. Thanks so much everyone.
1
vote
1answer
57 views

If someone has a very similar name, can I get a trademark?

I am developing a web site with an idea that it would be a networking platform for small companies. I have registered the name (Let's call it www.merchandiize.com for now...), however I have ...
1
vote
2answers
125 views

Am I worrying too much about my IP?

I've spent the better part of the last several years developing a product/algorithm, and although I lack the time/funds to do an exhaustive patent search, I'm 99.99% certain that the algorithm is ...
1
vote
1answer
204 views

revive abandoned patent

My startup has a pending patent application that has recently been abandoned due to the inability to make the payment to respond to an office action. It costs thousands of dollars that we don't have ...
1
vote
3answers
167 views

Patenting a Marketing Idea

Okay so i Know this question has been asked before but i feel like this is a little different. Can you patent a medium of marketing/advertising. For instance, billboards on the highway. Obviously ...
1
vote
4answers
256 views

Will employer invest in my idea?

Let me describe a situation I happened to be in by now several times. I work in the field of detector/electronics/imaging systems development. I often get some new technical ideas and solutions, ...
1
vote
3answers
226 views

What patents are there currently established for question and answer sites?

I am having a website built that has questions and answers as a large component and feature center. Is there currently any well established patents that I should know about that would potentially be a ...
1
vote
1answer
441 views

What is the best and least expensive way to trademark and patent your business IP internationally?

I am working on a start-up company to grow to become a big company to compete against some well known, popular, and in some ways powerful companies in the respective industries and markets today. I ...
1
vote
2answers
312 views

How can I determine if someone owns the intellectual property rights to a word game?

I found a really cool word game that I would like to implement as a mobile app, though I don't if anyone owns the right to the concept. I know there are many games out there, such as Poker or ...
1
vote
3answers
143 views

A question(s) about IP in a 'Web 2.0' startup

I'm laying the groundwork for what might ostensibly be considered a 'Web 2.0' startup. While I think that I might have some protectable IP, I think that these are not necessarily fundamental to the ...
1
vote
1answer
49 views

One Ingredient of many in a Patent used on its own for another use

If a patent contains an ingredient in a product ,along with many other ingredients ,stated to be used for one application,would I get a patent on one of the ingredients for a use not stated and un ...
1
vote
2answers
224 views

Going to be on national television to pitch my software - Need Advice

This Thursday I will be filming for a Canadian TV show where I will be pitching my software to 5 Canadian millionaires to invest in. The TV show won't air until September. The software is ...
1
vote
2answers
82 views

Offshore Patent

If someone in the US holds a very broad patent on a web based process in the US, is it possible to create an offshore company to circumvent the existing patent? What are the possible repercussions of ...
1
vote
1answer
52 views

How can we leverage a good design idea in the apparel space?

Some friends and I have come up with a unique design idea in the apparel space. This is NOT our core competency, but we've presented the idea publicly, and gotten extremely positive responses. I ...
1
vote
1answer
47 views

Does exists shared patents porfolios that a company can contract as insurance?

considering so much articles I've read about the IP scenario today, I was wondering if there exists Patents holder companies that... Have a good patents porfolio (maybe thounsands, in many areas). ...
1
vote
3answers
203 views

Am I committing patent infringement if the function is the same but construction is different?

I know there are other products out there similar to the one my partner and I are working on. We are a new start up and want to be sure that we don't get into any trouble in the future by stepping on ...
1
vote
2answers
74 views

Are patents also relevant for open-source software providers?

Afaik, patents restrict commercial use of a patented idea. But what about open-source providers who are giving away the software without commercial interest? Do patents apply to them at all or can ...
1
vote
2answers
96 views

Where to prototype my patent?

I am looking for a prototyping company for some of my patents. Does anyone know any good but cheap ones, coming out of China? I've browsed on Alibaba.com but I haven't found anything credible. Has ...
1
vote
3answers
177 views

Patent on Social Network

I have an idea for a social network site. I know Facebook has many patents and I'm afraid of violating one of some of them. I'm not located in the US, main questions: Do you think I should talk with ...
1
vote
2answers
187 views

What does IP mean in Digital medium

From my understanding of Paul Graham's Article http://paulgraham.com/msftpatent.html, IP doesn't have much affect on digital products/services. For example, youtube, tinyurl, groupon, kickstarter all ...
0
votes
2answers
79 views

Patenting a website created with Ning.com

I would like to start a niche social media website but I have no knowledge of programming. I do have business knowledge but that doesn't help me in the actual creation of this website. I don't have ...
0
votes
1answer
39 views

Can be a new PIM method patented in European Union?

I have constructed a new personal information management system. It allows to organize personal matters in a new way. Can I file a patent to European Union? I live in Germany.
0
votes
1answer
151 views

Is there any place to post ideas and sell patents?

Everyone has their own ideas. Some patented ideas may be useful for company growth. Many companies look for innovative ideas. Is there any place to post patented ideas so that companies seeking ideas ...
0
votes
1answer
96 views

Question on patents and copycats

I have a question regarding patents: Why is no one allowed to do the same, like for example the concept of groupon? (there are many competitors like gonabiit or tippr) There are many social ...
0
votes
2answers
325 views

Do Start-ups Need Cost Effective and Rapid Patent Services

My partner and I, after many years of researching and inventing, became patent agents and formed an LLC. Our business model is based on start-ups that need patents and trademarks but can't afford the ...
0
votes
2answers
138 views

Funding and Security for Patent applications

I have several ideas that I could use for patents. I am not sure if ideas on their own can be patented or if it needs to be a design or solution. But my question is - Patent filing is expensive and ...
0
votes
1answer
17 views

Canadian patent law and “filing date” - what exactly is the benefit of having a “priority date”?

According to the Canadian patent info site, here, a patent application can claim a priority date of a previous patent, filed in Canada or in a country with an appropriate treaty, as long as the ...
0
votes
2answers
92 views

What things an entrepreneur should get copyrighted before approaching VCs

What things can be copyrighted of a startup before approaching VCs? I have a very fast growing online venture for which I am going to approach VCs. But I want to make sure they can't use my idea and ...
0
votes
2answers
126 views

How to monetize patents?

Suppose your company has developed a lot of patents to defend itself from being sued. Company A is sued by company B for infringement of its patents. Company B's patents are invalidated by the prior ...
-1
votes
0answers
16 views

Need direction on steps for continuing a bluetooth smart device startup [closed]

I have created a prototype bluetooth smart device and corresponding iOS app that I would like to turn into a business. My rough business plan at this point is to patent this device and then put the ...

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