Should I get a software patent?
The expense and time are unappealing, but my small startup may want one down the road. How much will it really cost? How long will it take? Will I ever really use it? Aren't they sort of unethical?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
Answers
To maintian a patent in the major countries around the world ca cost >$200,000 per year. There are maintenance fees on top of filinf fees.
Yes, yes, yes
You should get a software patent.
It's not super expensive. I mean, Amazon and Microsoft and IBM have millions and millions of those things, right?
It can't be so insanely expensive.
but if you don't get a software patent, you will get screwed
or at least, that's a major possibility.
Is it unethical? Maybe: but the unethical part is forcing other people to pay you, or preventing innovation from happening. Pre-emptively preventing yourself from losing your own creation just seems smart.
the patent fees for just the U.S. aren't too expensive; the legal fees for obtaining one, i.e., "prosecuting" your case with the Patent Examiners can run into the tens of thousands or more.
it will take around 5 years.
One consideration to keep in mind is whether people can easily get around it. A patent gives you the right to exclude others from making, using or selling your invention. If someone can use your process by running a server in Singapore, it may not be worth getting a patent.
what is the downside from getting a patent? Is it really that expensive?
Answer this question