patenting and/or copyrighting my idea?

[jerez_z]

I have an idea (more like an improvement) for a piece of software, but I don't yet have the skills to build it. Is it possible for me to copyright it or patent it, so I can hold onto it till I have the skills or sell it?

[DariusMonsef]

You can't copyright an idea. You can copyright a specific method of creating or doing something though... Otherwsie I would copyright, time travel, 8ghz CPUs, AI...

[jerez_z]

ok...so how would I go about copyrighting my method of doing something?

[DariusMonsef]

You write it out in exact detail.

[DDD]

if you can demonstrate with competence your concept I think you may have a stab at a patent. 3m does this all the time I believe.

[jerez_z]

well its an idea for a piece of software...how would I demonstrate with competence?

[ahmed]

put together a report, what the idea is, how can you make it feasible, etc etc..

http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/howtopat.htm

[andr.in]

aww man now u got me all curious and wondering what the almighty idea is... :P

[Mik3]

Yeah, to patent it wouldn't you at least need a very detailed analysis on it. Also, for something like software, you'll probably want it complete before you try to patent it, for you may have to end up changing something.

[3d Nirvana]

ok... first you have to tell me the idea... then I'll do the rest.... :hugegrin: :trout:

actually u need to have some proof of when u thought of it, then just go through the system

[Mik3]

ok... first you have to tell me the idea... then I'll do the rest.... :hugegrin: :trout:

actually u need to have some proof of when u thought of it, then just go through the system
print the program on paper and send it to yourself so it gets stamped by the post office :D