how can an Idea be Legalised without patenting?

[dude81]

Hello All,

I would like to know how one can legalise an Idea without doing patenting, as patenting seems to consume more time. Is there any alternative.

Thank You
dude81

[dslackman]

Patenting does not legalize an idea, it gives you control of the use of an idea for 20 years in exchange for making the idea public. As alternatives, you can keep your idea a trade secret or copyright it, or trademark it. Each of these give you some control, but also have limitations.

[dude81]

Thank you for the prompt reply.Trade secret sounded like a good idea, but unfortunately my country(India) provides least protection for them. Are there any other alternatives?

[akula]

you don't need ip protection
what you need to do is to commercialise your invention rather than waste limited resources on suing people
....if you want legal rights that matter, think contractual/distribution rights rather than ip
contractual rights are much cheaper and easier to acquire and to enforce

[dude81]

Commercialization Sounds great, Ill do research on this too.

Thank you