i have an idea to be introduced to the computer world .how do i cover my ass.was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of how to go about it ,is it as simple as a copyright or what .any info would be appreciated

Well copyright usually refers to a media of some sort and If your talking about a physical piece of gear then your thinking patent it...Unless of course you want to copyright the logo and then its Automatic as soon as you say it is read
THIS FOR COPYRIGHTS
AND THIS FOR A PATENT

HOPE THAT HELPS
Digi

Contact a patent attorney is your first step. What they will do is research the patent archives for any type of similiar idea or ideals in which your invention could infringe upon. If it comes back that yours is totally original, they will also file the required paperwork (i.e., patent application). I'm not for sure how long the turnaround is nowadays but I will tell you this. There are quite a few patents on file so coming up with a totally original idea nowadays is pretty hard.

Again, your first step is to contact a patent attorney. Be prepared because they can be expensive.

Good luck!

it is a new software to revolutionize retail sales over the net.would that be a patent, im clueless to logistics.and patent attorneys are big bucks

That would be a patent yes and if you are really serious, and think it is that big, you need to get a patent attourny... otherwise you risk losing it

Ohh and dont forget to cut me in on 15%

Quote: Originally Posted by evan@sickshooter.com it is a new software to revolutionize retail sales over the net.would that be a patent, im clueless to logistics.and patent attorneys are big bucks

Idea protection costs money. Period.

What's your idea? I'll tell you if it's worth it to patent...

j/k

Don't tell anyone what it is until you got your ass covered. If you think it's as big or as revolutionary as you say it is, then a patent lawyer will be an INVESTMENT. Because then you could SELL the rights to your idea, and make Ãœber bucks. If it is indeed that great.

We've all heard the jokes.

But recently I've had a couple of civil [as opposed to criminal] issues come up. And copyright/patent is civil.

And the lawyers I spoke with were:
a) happy to speak with me.
b) explain why I shouldn't spend money on a lawyer.
c) explain briefly what I could do to help myself.

So I've had to amend Shakespeare's advise about killing all the lawyers. There are at least two I'm willing to let walk

So anyway - call a patent attorney. Tell him you have a great idea.

But don't tell him the idea - he doesnt care. Ask him [this is the important part] "What steps do I need to take before I hire you?"

And then ask a couple more lawyers. Get a full list. They'll probably be happy to let you know what you need to do before you ever have meeting one and spend dollar one.

Because they know they expensive. And they hate people wasting their time. So if they can prevent you from being a "time-wasting moron" by forcing you to jump through some hoopies, they will take the time to explain what the hoopies are. Proves you're serious and have actual goods [as opposed to another perpetual motion machine].

Any lawyer who says "Come on down and bring your checkbook", you tell 'em "I'm on my way!" - and then NEVER SHOW UP!

-MF

If someone steals your idea, you can pay me, and I'll make them "forget".

From what I understand, you can get a letter of disclosure with a company that has the funding for a patent application. This would protect you if they try to use the Idea without compensating you.
In the meantime if you mail yourself several copies through the USMail to your address, making sure not to open them, If you ever have to prove ownership you can submit absolute evidence.
Remember the Leagal industry is all about the buck, and the most bucks usually wins.
Good Luck in your endeavors...

Quote: Originally Posted by ZENNZZO ...if you mail yourself several copies through the USMail to your address, making sure not to open them, If you ever have to prove ownership you can submit absolute evidence.

That's a frigging GENIUS idea...great advice ZenBro

...and MF: Somebody had to do it...

what about if u write software, and just wanna protect it so u can sell it and stuff

then you copyright it? anybody knows how much these things cost?

Quote: Originally Posted by ZENNZZO From what I understand, you can get a letter of disclosure with a company that has the funding for a patent application. This would protect you if they try to use the Idea without compensating you. In the meantime if you mail yourself several copies through the USMail to your address, making sure not to open them, If you ever have to prove ownership you can submit absolute evidence. Remember the Leagal industry is all about the buck, and the most bucks usually wins. Good Luck in your endeavors...

It has to be sent via Certified mail. As far as I know there have been some troubles with enforcing the "poor man's copyright" in the past several years. It's not a bad idea, but, may not offer the complete protection you might hope for.

from all of you, zenn the problem is ive approached some companies about signing a disclosure statement ,and they wont .if you know one that will please post it up

Lets assume for the sake of argument you have a hard drive innovation.

And you contact Seagate, Maxtor and WesternD.

You could legitimately make them bazillions yet they won't sign an NDA.

Why?

They are afraid that what you'll be bringing them they already have 99% done. They spend an AWFUL lot on R&D and people to have bright ideas. Even if they can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt in court that they were done and you brought nothing new to the table, they dont want to spend the money and time in court.

So most big companies DO NOT take a look at outside ideas. Ever. On principle.

Its a beeyatch but there ya go...
-MF