A business idea patent can be defined as the legal protection of an idea related to your business that can be used to develop a product, process or invention.
Not all business ideas meet the criteria necessary for patent protection.
Before pursuing a patent you must determine whether your idea meets this criteria. You should also consider if this is the correct type of protection for your needs.
The ability to obtain a patent on a business idea can also vary by country so it is important to determine the commercially relevant countries before applying for a patent.
Typically in Australia, we do not allow for ideas themselves to be patented, business or otherwise. This means if you want to protect a business method or business idea by itself it is unlikely to be considered patentable subject matter. You must expand on your idea or concept to give it a patentable component.
Should your idea relate to or lead to the creation of a new product, process or invention you may then be able to pursue patent protection. For a business idea or computer implemented business method type invention, in order to be patentable the substance of the invention must be a technical innovation. If the idea is purely a business innovation it is unlikely to be patentable.
Having said that, to apply for the patent, you do not need to have first created a prototype of your idea.
So long as you can create an adequate description and diagrams, you can begin the process and file for provisional protection if there is a technical innovation.
The best way to go about securing a patent for your business idea is to speak with a licensed and qualified patent attorney.
They are best positioned to walk you through the specifics of business patent meanings and criteria.
With their professional guidance, you are then able to decide if this is the right step for you and begin the application process as needed.
I found them online and initially I was bit hesitant to talk to them about my problem but when I spoke to Barry, I felt more comfortable, and he gave me all the information and advice I wanted without even thinking that I am going to give him business or not. Finally, I went with them, and they made the entire process so smooth and easy for me. john was keeping us updated with each step he was doing. I would recommend these guys for any patent or trademark related service.
I would like to express my thanks to Barry and his team at IP Guardian in Sydney for their assistance with our recent Trademark application. Barry was highly professional, readily available throughout the process and clearly communicated expectations. Barry even helped us refine our application so that we had a greater chance of success which was very much appreciated to avoid extra costs. I would highly recommend Ip Guardian for all your Trademark and Intellectual Property needs.
Barry, last week, you and your professional team, made my year (or probably my next 21 years). So thank you so much for your executive, calm yet very effective actions under extream pressure. Elias Hajjar, Director, TROLLEYON PTY LTD
Informative, understood the business, what it needed and answered questions in a friendly and approachable manner. Easy decision to continue working with IPGuardian for future trademarking
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The team at IP Guardian have made the process extremely straight forward and easy for us to understand exactly what was required. I will highly recommend to our clients who need help with IP.
I have dealt with Barry over the years, his advice and experience has helped me greatly. Looking for to working with him and his team again. Maher.
IP Guardian helps protect words, symbols, letters, numbers, names, signatures, phrases, sounds, shapes and smells. Yes, I said smells.
We've had the pleasure to work closely with Barry for many years. He has been exceptional to deal with and has a keen focus in providing a commercial led IP "go to market" strategy for start-ups and well known brands. Makes it easy and always advises on different ways to navigate through the IP process.
Barry Meskin @ IP Guardian is an experienced and extremely knowledgeable expert in the domain of intellectual property, patents and trademarks. In addition he has been extremely responsive and very professional in all our dealings. I wholeheartedly recommend Barry's services to any business or anyone seeking advice in this area - great quality and great value.