Can I copyright or protect an idea as turns into a web page/new business?

[RiverStone]

So---lets say I have an innovative idea and want to create a web page as part of a new business venture.

This web page may be providing an exciting service and/or marketing a product.

If I go "live" during the start-up phase of the business, how can I protect the intellectual property (i.e. the idea of what it is) during it's growth?

Could not someone far more web-wise then I, who stumbled across it say....ummm, I could do that too!
Then, take my idea and run with it? If I create this business in a particular domain - what's to prevent anybody from copying a concept and opening it up in a different domain?

Not looking for a detailed answer here - but maybe a link which explains what I think I'm trying to ask!? :)


Thanks in advance any web savy DUer!

[Redstone]

1. Send me a PM with details, and I might be able to tell you.

Not enough to judge from in your post.

Redstone

[RiverStone]

4. Thanks for the offer.

Not enough formulated on paper yet to send...but I'll take a rain check Redstone.

Much appreciated. :)

[begin_within]

2. Basically, copyright law states that...

... you can't copyright an idea. You can only copyright your own expression of that idea, in a fixed tangible format. Besides copyright protection, there are other forms of protection, such as trademark, service mark, and patents. Which one of these four is most appropriate for your idea would take some study. Copyrights are handled by the Library of Congress. Patents and trademarks are handled by the USPTO. You might start by reading "Copyright Basics" and the USPTO web site. If someone else has the same idea as you, then you fight it out in court.

http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html

http://www.uspto.gov/

[RiverStone]

5. Great starting point.

Thanks Bob.

Much appreciated! :)

[mainegreen]

3. I doubt it. But in todays weird society I bet you can get a patent!