patent a program

[souffle]

With my programmer i have developed a ecommerce system to send gifts similar to vouchers via email, that only works in the industry that im in.Can i patent such a thing because im doing well and its only a metter of time before the competion does the same.

PS:please i would like to know how to do it , and how much it might cost.and asume i have enough money to support a patent even if it is not woth doing.

[jdMorgan]

I believe you'll find that programs cannot be patented -- Only processes can be patented.

However, programs can be copyrighted, and you should definitely register a copyright if you intend to publish the code. If the code has already been published, it may be too late, though -- There is a time limit.

For U.S. patent, trademark, and copyright information, see [uspto.gov...]

Jim

[souffle]

what doyou mean by patent a processes .and how do you go about doing it.

[stajer]

In the US, you can obtain a patent for software. But, you are not patenting the code itself, but rather what the code does. If it does something new and non-obvious you can get a patent.

Getting a patent can be done on your own, but it is not a process for the faint of heart. I recommend an attorney. Expect costs to be in the $10-12k range assuming no problems.

[souffle]

thanks you all for you advice.