Let's say I have an idea, or have implemented an idea, is there a way to apply for some kind of protection to prevent someone else from patenting it? Or is my only chance to actually patent it?
Mostly just a curiosity question. I have a few projects in mind and while most have probably already been done in one way or the other, I would hate for some little detail to somehow get patented by someone else, stopping me from being able to use it. And from my understanding even if something has already been done, it can still be patented. (ex: slide to unlock)
I know with copyright I think there's a trick where if I mail something to myself, then it can serve as proof that I did it, but with patents, I don't think it works that way. Basically, I'd want what I do to be public domain, so I feel I should not need to patent it just to protect myself from someone else doing it. Is there a way to register it as public domain or something? None of the stuff I have in mind is extraordinary, but it's mostly a rhetorical question.
Mostly just a curiosity question. I have a few projects in mind and while most have probably already been done in one way or the other, I would hate for some little detail to somehow get patented by someone else, stopping me from being able to use it. And from my understanding even if something has already been done, it can still be patented. (ex: slide to unlock)
I know with copyright I think there's a trick where if I mail something to myself, then it can serve as proof that I did it, but with patents, I don't think it works that way. Basically, I'd want what I do to be public domain, so I feel I should not need to patent it just to protect myself from someone else doing it. Is there a way to register it as public domain or something? None of the stuff I have in mind is extraordinary, but it's mostly a rhetorical question.
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