What to do next
Don't disclose publicly before you take advice
Public disclosure can bar a patent. Rules differ by country and some allow a limited grace period, but the safe approach is confidentiality (an NDA) until you've spoken to a patent professional.
Identify which protection actually fits
Not every innovation is patentable, and patents are expensive and public. Trade-secret protection or copyright may be a better commercial fit — especially for software and processes.
Decide where you need protection
IP rights are territorial and filing is country-by-country. A patent professional can advise on priority filings and international routes aligned to the markets you'll actually sell into.
Frequently asked questions
Can I patent an idea?
No — patents protect specific inventions that meet requirements including novelty, inventiveness, and utility, described in enough detail to be reproduced. A concept alone isn't enough.
Should I use an NDA when pitching?
For most commercial discussions, yes. Note that many investors decline to sign NDAs, which is another reason to have your filing strategy sorted first.
Does copyright cover software?
Copyright protects the code as expression, but not the underlying functional idea. Layering copyright, trade secrets, and contracts is common for software products.
Is a trade secret weaker than a patent?
Different, not necessarily weaker — it can last indefinitely and stays private, but only while you genuinely keep it confidential. Once it leaks, protection is largely gone.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by location and every situation is different — speak with a qualified lawyer about your specific circumstances.