Can you patent or protect an idea ?
 

I know you can take out a patent on an invention but can you do the same on an idea?
If you have an idea for something can you register that idea and the way its deployed (there is only one way) to protect it as your idea ?

Cheers.

I dont think you have to have phsically made the object before you can apply for a patent. However getting a patent on a part does not mean it can't be copied. If the patent is deemed to have been obvious then you have wasted your money;) That is often the case.

If you protect a part and someone copies it then it's off to court. This requires serious money especially if the other party is a large organisation.

If you win the case the other guy will be made to stop producing parts using your idea. He WILL appeal. If he wins the appeal, which can often happen, he can claim damages in the way of loose of earnings. That can be HUUUUUGE if he is a big business. These things can take a year or more to be sorted.

My company have been through this loop a couple of times in the last few years. We have big spending power and have wasted over £300,000 on a couple of cases recently. Even when we won the case we bottled out from upholding the court ruling incase the other guy appealed and won lose of earnings.


All it does is slow the opposition down, it doesnt stop them :thumb:

I hope this helps

<throws plans for underwater toaster in the bin> :mad:

It wouldn't be a bad idea to write out your idea and post it to yourself by Special Delivery. Do not open when received but keep sealed in a safe place. This offers some proof that it was your idea at a certain date. I know you can do this for music and TBH I don't know if it applies to ideas but costs bugger all so might be worth a shot.