Q: hi,can i trademark a business idea? suppose i invented the idea of online shopping. so is it possible to patent this?
at least for a few years so other cant enter the business with the idea...
A: You can't trademark an idea. Trademarks are for distinguishing the source of goods or services. You can copyright an idea after you've reduced the idea to a "tangible form," such as writing a book or making a video. Copyrights won't protect the idea itself, however. You can patent an idea, unless the idea is part of an invention. An invention is an idea
A: ...that has been reduced to practice. Business methods are particularly difficult to get allowances on, since the decision in Alice v. CLS Bank. I have experience with business method patents and I'd be happy to help. Regardless, if you have a business method invention, you should seek help from a skilled patent attorney with experience in business methods.
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