Can I patent an internet business idea?

**x452** · 06-13-2007 02:06 AM

Hi,

I have an internet business idea that I want to explore and see if it is possible to patent and sell it.

I will use "eFlowers" as the example to illustrate my idea. Say I came up with the name "eFlowers" and the process of ordering flowers over the internet that could be delivered to anyone in any participating country and city.

I would need:

1. A website, ie. www.eflowers.com
2. An payment processing system, let's say I'll use PayPal to receive funds from eFlower customers and I'll use PayPal to pay my suppliers
3. A relationship with a florist in every participating country and city and the florist must use PayPal

At a minimum a customer should be able to purchase a single rose and have it delivered.

Would it be possible to patent my idea/process? What would I have to do next?

If I cannot patent my idea any suggestions on what I can do?

Thanks,
Andrew

**Nigami Enterprise** · 06-13-2007 02:31 AM

Dont even bother getting a patent there is no way that it can protect an internet idea. The best protection on the net is your domain name and just build a strong brand.

**akula** · 06-13-2007 02:51 AM

Originally Posted by x452

Hi,

I have an internet business idea that I want to explore and see if it is possible to patent and sell it.

I will use "eFlowers" as the example to illustrate my idea. Say I came up with the name "eFlowers" and the process of ordering flowers over the internet that could be delivered to anyone in any participating country and city.

I would need:

1. A website, ie. www.eflowers.com
2. An payment processing system, let's say I'll use PayPal to receive funds from eFlower customers and I'll use PayPal to pay my suppliers
3. A relationship with a florist in every participating country and city and the florist must use PayPal

At a minimum a customer should be able to purchase a single rose and have it delivered.

Would it be possible to patent my idea/process? What would I have to do next?

If I cannot patent my idea any suggestions on what I can do?

Thanks,
Andrew

Andrew, the process you're describing would not pass the non-obviousness or novelty tests for patent applications

Overall, institutional investors like Feld, routinely tell entrepreneurs that they shouldn't bother with patents. Compare Feld to Wilson.

What you can do is forego all this irrelevant discussions about intellectual property and focus on more important thing like getting your product to your customers.