Can I patent ideas without a specific implementation as well?
May 6, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Otto Kock
Dear patent lawyer,
My name is Selma Pilz, and I have been actively involved in developing new ideas in the field of technology for some time now. I have some innovative concepts in mind that I believe have great potential, but currently I lack the financial and technical means to concretely implement these ideas. Now, I am wondering if it is possible to patent ideas without a specific implementation.
My concern is that my ideas could be picked up and realized by other individuals without me being able to legally intervene. I would like to know if there is a way to protect my ideas, even if they have not yet been turned into a finished product or process.
I am aware that patents are typically applied to specific inventions or processes that provide a technical solution. However, I am wondering if there is also an option to protect ideas or concepts that have not been implemented yet, but still exhibit an innovative and unique character.
Could you assist me in this regard and provide me with possible solutions on how I can protect my ideas and prevent imitation? I would greatly appreciate your professional advice and support on this matter.
Sincerely,
Selma Pilz
Dear Mrs. Pilz,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the protection of ideas within the framework of patent law. It is understandable that you are concerned that your innovative concepts could be implemented by others without your consent. Indeed, it is an important question whether and how ideas can be patented without a specific implementation.
In general, patents are primarily applied to concrete inventions or processes that provide a technical solution. This means that an idea in itself is usually not patentable. Rather, a patent protects the specific embodiment of a technical solution that is new, inventive, and industrially applicable.
However, there are ways to protect your ideas in different ways. For example, you can try to keep your ideas secret and enter into confidentiality agreements with potential business partners or investors to ensure that your ideas are not disclosed. Another option is to file a utility model, which is a simpler and more cost-effective form of protection, but also only applies to specific technical solutions.
Furthermore, you could try to protect your ideas as trade secrets. This means keeping certain information that is important for the success of your business confidential and taking appropriate security measures. This way, you may not be able to take action against third-party independent inventions, but you can prevent your ideas from being disclosed through unauthorized means.
It is also possible to further develop and specify your ideas, and then apply for a patent as a technical solution. In this case, you should ensure that your ideas are actually new and inventive to meet the requirements for patentability.
I recommend consulting an experienced patent attorney to discuss your individual situation and explore possible protective measures. I am at your disposal for any further questions and wish you success in the further development of your ideas.
Kind regards,
Otto Kock, Attorney at Law
