Ask HN: How to Patent an Algorithm?

[throwaway_algo]

So assume I created a magic algorithm which is capable of reducing the computing cost (disc IO and CPU) of any given database-query by 50%. Is is possible to get a patent for that algorithm? My research showed that it is generally not possible to do so, but for example I found out that google did this somehow with MapReduce. [1]

The other question is if it even makes sense to get a patent. Are the examples where someone got a patent for an algorithm and got successful out of it? The other option would be to just make it open source (together with the implementation of the algorithm).

PS: I live in europe.

[1] http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,650,331.PN.&OS=PN/7,650,331&RS=PN/7,650,331

[aurizon]

Well, we have slaved for years under the oppression of lossless compression algorithm patents. View a few of these for suggestions as to the right law firm to consult.

https://www.google.com/search?q=patented+image+compression+a...

[trcarney]

I would only look into getting a patent if you can easily deduce what the algorithm is by using the product. If not, getting a patent will make the algorithm public and only protect it for a certain amount of time. Keeping it secret, like the recipe for coca-cola, could be the better move.