How can I patent an idea for software in the US?

What is the most reliable way to patent an idea for software(and development) in the US? How can I know for sure that the idea has not been developed by anyone else?

That sounds more like a copyright.

You can do this at the US Copyright Office 鈥?see the last 2 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.

Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:

"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man鈥檚 copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

A patent/copyright attorney can do this for you. They do a search while formatting your application for the patent/copyright.

Except for one small problem -- as a general rule, you cannot protect an idea. Intellectual property has to reach some state beyond an idea before it is protected.

What kind of idea are we talking about?

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