Hi
Id like to know if an idea that i have for an app is already patented.
I went to http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html
As this has lots of line entries even for non app related stuff, I am wondering if
there is a patent search for apps only that i could do?
Cheers
I believe patents are mostly for large corporations
Completely incorrect. The patent system exists so new entities can have exclusive rights to an idea rather than an existing entity, say a "large corporation", immediately copying the idea and taking all the profits from an inventor.
I know what they intended purpose of patents is. I was just saying what actually happens, in real life.
In real life, you come up with a great idea it is deemed successful then China grabs it and replicates the idea tenfold
Agreed with mgowen, if you want an air tight patent you need to drop big bucks. For an app idea they wouldn't need to change much to say their idea is unique or different. So a patent on an "idea" is not going to carry much water, you would need to pay for lawyers to firm up all angles for it to hold up. Id focus more on how to get the idea build and to market getting users asap, and then worry about patents once you have clearly defined your product and clients …. And have a massive wad of cash.
Id like to know if an idea
An idea isn't something that can easily be patented. It's almost impossible without a prototype. Do you have a working prototype or at least partial codes?
Software patents as they relate to business methods are becomingly increasingly difficult to patent or once patented, to be successfully challenged in court. There is a general move in Australia, Europe and the USA to restrict or prevent parents for this subject matter on the basis that they are not patent patentable subject matter….
I believe patents are mostly for large corporations who can afford to defend them.
Have you searched the app store for similar apps that already exist?
Amazing app ideas are a dime a dozen, and people tend to drastically overestimate their value.
Ideas are easy. Actually implementing them well, making and marketing a good app, is 99% of it.