Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California
I have an idea for a website that I don't want anyone to steal the idea once it is active. I want to patent or copyright it. I heard to do that I must make my idea tangible therefore I have to build the site and go from there. I eventually plan on expanding the idea/website but to do so I need to have a bigger platform ($). So I have a few ideas of how to do that. So my first step is building the website. How do I protect myself from anyone including the web developer from taking my idea/concept?
2 Answers from Attorneys
The best way is to see if you can get a business patent on it. However, business patents are difficult to get unless your idea is completely novel. Aside from that you will have to keep it a secret and also require that people who you disclose it to sign a confidentiality waiver.
Copyright, will likely only protect your website from having someone create something similar in graphical design and/or programming. To protect you from someone creating a website that looks completely different but have the same underlying business method, you will have to get a patent. I recommend that you contact a patent attorney in your area.
Goodluck,
Jim
It would be in your interest to consult with a knowledgeable business attorney who can see exactly what you have in mind and advise you on the best way to handle your unique situation. There really is no single way that guarantees any business idea can be absolutely protected from copycats. There are, however, ways you can minimize the damages you would suffer and make it more difficult for others to rip you off.
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