Legal Stuff - What protection do i have from website copiers?

[Macbeth]

Does anybody have a quick answer to what protection i have legally over the image of my site and the business idea in itself?

I have a dating site and i'm worried that i would be protected legally, if someone were to copy the templates, make i there own, and copy my dating service.

[netguy]

>>Does anybody have a quick answer to what protection i have legally over the image of my site and the business idea in itself?

Macbeth, I would probably register a copyright for (both) the website, and any custom programming code utilized. As far as protecting your 'idea,' that is more along the lines of a patent than a copyright - which is unlikely you would be able to get.

If you are in the U.S. (and I believe in the UK as well), there is what is called a 'provisional patent' that allows you to efficiently file for a patent (about $200) and place 'patent pending' on the site to scare away a few prospective offenders. (a provisional patent is only good for 1 year and offers very little 'real' protection without further patent filings and substantial added costs).

Unfortunately - regardless of the protection - if you are successful, then I'm certain there will be many 'knockoffs' to contend with in the future.

Steve

[trillianjedi]

The law is a complex beast. You need proper legal advice. Do not take any advice you receive on any public forum pertaining to be legal to actually be correct.

Does anybody have a quick answer...

On issues of law there isn't one. There is a right answer and a wrong answer. To be sure you are getting the former and not the latter, you need to seek the advice of a lawyer.

TJ

[goodroi]

TJ is correct. When it comes to legal advice you get what you pay for. Think about that when you request free legal advice :).

[Macbeth]

true they do say the most expensive advice is free

[crobb305]

Save cached versions/page snapshots for future reference.

[Daretodream]

I have a little experience in patents. I do not believe a patent would cover this. The only possible patent you could receive is a design patent and these are almost worthless in my opinion. You could change a little something here and there and have a totally different patent. I own a utility patent, and this type is one of the strongest type you can get. You should check into copyrighting your site. Possibly even trademark. Go to [uspto.gov...] Not trying to spam, but my site deals with patent and trademarks. <snip>
Good Luck,
Cindy

[edited by: trillianjedi at 11:05 am (utc) on Feb. 25, 2005]
[edit reason] No self-promotional posts please - thanks [/edit]

[Macbeth]

very useful daretodream thankyou