Well, even more technically: for two patent applications and a WIPO assessment that my technology is sufficiently novel and inventive to be patentable in most treaty countries.
> Just protection against competitors using your idea?
Yes and no. Certainly not protection of a business model, and not protection of a feature. It's a technology which underpins several potential business models, but while it is a better technology, it is not a necessary technology. A competitor -- and some exist already -- can bodge along without it, but they will inevitably have a PR disaster that my technology effectively prevents.
The real purpose of the patent is to increase attractiveness to investors and to encourage potential startup competitors to look at other markets. And if it all goes to total crap, I can still put the patent on my résumé. Or not, depending on what kind of company I'm applying to.
You'll forgive me if I don't discuss the subject matter of the patent. My competitors could easily burn up more of my cash by raising constant, spurious objections. Another part of the patent game.
Because I'm a nobody from nowhere and I will take what advantages I can get (patentability) to ameliorate advantages I don't currently enjoy (connections, pedigree, experience).
For two patents, technically.
Well, even more technically: for two patent applications and a WIPO assessment that my technology is sufficiently novel and inventive to be patentable in most treaty countries.
> Just protection against competitors using your idea?
Yes and no. Certainly not protection of a business model, and not protection of a feature. It's a technology which underpins several potential business models, but while it is a better technology, it is not a necessary technology. A competitor -- and some exist already -- can bodge along without it, but they will inevitably have a PR disaster that my technology effectively prevents.
The real purpose of the patent is to increase attractiveness to investors and to encourage potential startup competitors to look at other markets. And if it all goes to total crap, I can still put the patent on my résumé. Or not, depending on what kind of company I'm applying to.
You'll forgive me if I don't discuss the subject matter of the patent. My competitors could easily burn up more of my cash by raising constant, spurious objections. Another part of the patent game.