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Author Topic: Can I Patent a buisness idea/plan  (Read 1626 times)

jlm08

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Can I Patent a buisness idea/plan
« on: 10-15-08 at 02:56 am »

I want to start and build a buisness that provides a service/product.  My buisness plan targets and provides a product/service to the customer at a certain location/area.  I am wanting to know if I can patent my service/product and the specific location/area where it is provided.  Can someone tell me if this is allowed and how to get started?
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CriterionD

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Re: Can I Patent a buisness idea/plan
« Reply #1 on: 10-15-08 at 11:40 am »

Hypothetically any aspect of your product and/or service that is considered both novel and non-obvious, is patentable.  In the event patent protection is obtainable, it might or might not make sense for you to take that up depending on the exact nature of your product and/or service, and other factors.  However, based on your comment regarding protection within the specific location where your service is provided, I feel you may be confusing patent law with trademark law, which protects branding wherever you are doing business.

sandy12

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Re: Can I Patent a buisness idea/plan
« Reply #2 on: 10-18-08 at 10:21 pm »

Hypothetically any aspect of your product and/or service that is considered both novel and non-obvious, is patentable.  In the event patent protection is obtainable, it might or might not make sense for you to take that up depending on the exact nature of your product and/or service, and other factors.  However, based on your comment regarding protection within the specific location where your service is provided, I feel you may be confusing patent law with trademark law, which protects branding wherever you are doing business.

I agree. It's patentable but would depend on the business. I had a cousin patent an idea recently because of market competition.
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Bill Richards

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Re: Can I Patent a buisness idea/plan
« Reply #3 on: 10-21-08 at 08:03 pm »

Just to clarify, I believe what sandy12 is saying is that your idea may include patentable subject matter (35 USC 101).  Without more, it's not possible to say for sure that what you have is patentable.
On another note, ideas alone are not patentable.  There must be some meat on the bones, too.
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William B. Richards, P.E.
The Richards Law Firm
Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights
614/939-1488
www.wbrfirm.com

Bill Richards

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Re: Can I Patent a buisness idea/plan
« Reply #4 on: 10-21-08 at 08:07 pm »

I had a cousin patent an idea recently because of market competition.
I'm confused by this last statement.  Can someone explain?  sandy12?  How does market competition drive one to seek a patent on something?
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William B. Richards, P.E.
The Richards Law Firm
Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights
614/939-1488
www.wbrfirm.com
 



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