I am in need of advice regarding patenting my business method. I am about two months away from beta with my business. It is a unique system that is the only one of it's kind. I am bootstrapping this business, so money is not flowing by any means. I haven't even thought about a patent until I did some research on business method patents. As far as I can tell I believe my system would be patentable.

The only reason I am concerned is one of largest manufacturers of products for the industry is about 30 miles from my house. I know if they caught wind of this idea they would copy it immediately.

On to my question, if I put it out for beta, or in other words, I am first to market, do I have a year to file a patent and still lock out competition? Or, do I only have a year if I file a provisional patent? What would happen if I put it to market without a patent in place, could any competitor copy it?

I don't have the money to pay for a patent right now, and even if I did, I want to make sure beta goes smoothly before I sink anymore cash. I do want to make sure I protect it as much as possible though. I would greatly appreciate any input or advice anyone has to offer.

Thanks