Louisville, KY asked in Business Law, Copyright and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Tennessee

Q: Have an e-commerce c2c idea. Is it possible to patent the “idea”? Think poshmark but for a niche not out there yet.

1 Lawyer Answer

A: Sorry, but you cannot patent a mere idea. You need to have an actual invention.

Once you do have the invention (see your patent attorney what the difference between an invention and a mere idea is), then you need to figure out how you are going to make money on it. That is the hard part.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.