A Patent protects inventions and ideas. A Copyright protects original works such as articles and books. And a Trademark protects words, phrases, designs or symbols (such as in a logo). Lots of people get confused and think they have to know how to patent a website instead of how to copyright it.
Which is right for you… a patent, copyright, or trademark. Find out if your situation is similar to the readers below.
I need to know how to patent a website and if my idea has already been developed?
I came up with an idea for a website that I think could be a hit. I don’t know how to patent a website or find information to know if it’s been thought of before. If you can please give me an idea how to check this out I’d really appreciate it.
Any idea how to patent a website feature and what it would cost?
I am getting a website developed and would like to have the idea patented. How much will this cost?
I have a great idea and name for a website, how do I protect it?
I went to the USPTOs website and am confused. I need to know how to patent a website as well as it’s name.
Hello Roberto, Manny, and Helen: Patents are not typically filed for websites. This would fall under the copyright category. However, a person or business could patent a website function or feature as long as it’s patentable, new, useful and falls under the patentable guidelines, this can be done. Filing a copyright online can cost as little as $35. Filing a patent will depend but when everything is said and done it’s about $5000. It’s best to contact a patent attorney or patent agent on that.
A copyright can protect your own work (on a website) from the date you file. Anything added to the website after the copyright would not be included. (If I’m wrong about the last sentence, please let me know). You can find more information on copyright.gov look for Circular 66
Helen. You’d trademark the name and patent the idea if it indeed patentable. To do a search try the USPTO and if it confuses you, here’s a start in understanding >> USPTO Patent Search Help. Once you’ve done a search and it comes up clean, contact a local patent attorney.— Abby ♥
Do I need a patent to run a website?
If I created a huge website, something comparable to eBay in size, where do I begin? This website would be user run sort of like a social networking site but I need to know how to patent a website so no one copies me.
Hi Dean. You wouldn’t need to know how to patent a website (read my other answer above). This isn’t really my forte’ so consider contacting a business development company or even the SBA for assistance.— Abby ♥
