Can you patent a concept of a website?

I have a website concept, but not an actual website yet. Is is possible to patent a concept and have someone else make into a website?
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Answered By: DANIEL NESBITT
Patents are issued for methods of performing an operation that includes some tangible result, and that amounts to something more than a calculation or computerized "mental step". Websites that perform certain operations may be patentable. Website designs may about be patentable, but are most typically copyrighted. Your should to contact a patent attorney for more details.

Answer Applies to: Ohio
Replied: 9/12/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Intellectual Property Center, LLC
Yes, it is possible to patent a concept without having a working prototype (or website) as long as we can sufficiently describe the invention. I would encourage you to contact an attorney to further review your concept and provide a recommendation. Good Luck.

Answer Applies to: Kansas
Replied: 9/9/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Mark S. Hubert PC
No - you cant patent a concept - just an embodiment of the concept.

Answer Applies to: Oregon
Replied: 9/7/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: The Law Offices of Mark Trenner
The graphic design of a website is likely not the subject of a utility patent application. But if there is underlying functionality embodied in the program code, then that might be subject to patent protection. One does not have to actually build the invention in order to apply for a patent, so long as the inventor can describe the inventive features in sufficient detail so as to enable someone having skill in the art to build the invention.

Answer Applies to: Colorado
Replied: 9/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Barton Barton & Plotkin
Maybe. But it is also possible that you would be better off focusing on copyright and trademark law to protect your web-site. Here is your problem

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 9/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Michael M. Ahmadshahi
Of course you can. As long as the website idea can be implemented, you do not have to have an actual operating website to file a patent application for it.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

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