Hi Everybody,
First let me just say that this forum is great. I have been reading a lot of the different forums and have found the people on this forum to be nice, helpful and full of knowledge.
I am a chemistry teacher and I have a number of ideas for games that would help my students review for tests. I need advice on patents. I have one of the games created and I am ready to play test the game. I am terrified that someone is going to steal my idea. How important is the patent? Should I patent before I play test? Is it really going to protect me? Here are three scenarios that I think that might play out:
1. I pay for a patent and some else decides or inadvertently makes the same game as me. I do not have the time or the money to stop him.
2. I pay for the patent and a bigger company decides that I need to C&D. I don't have the money or the time to fight them.
3. I don't patent and some else steals my idea and patents it and tells me to C&D.
Based on the first two scenarios I don't think the patent is worth it. Third scenario is the one I am really worried about.
Is it worth the money and time? Do I need a lawyer or can I do it myself? Am I worrying about nothing? Any advice from the experienced group? Should I be putting my energy into finding a printer or publisher and not worry about the whole patent thing?
I would love to post the idea to this forum but I have the paranoia about someone stealing my idea. No offense :) Am I being too cautious?
Thanks
Dan
Thanks for the responses. Dannorder's comment about this question being the most common caused me to search patents on this forum. Dannorder was completely correct. There were tons of questions and answers. I think I am understanding the differences between patents and copyright. I have given up the idea of patenting my game for now. I don't think the mechanics are that different from other games. The difference is that I have included a component that helps students review. I am definitely going to look into copyrighting my game. I am also going to share the game with every for more input. Thanks for the awesome advice. This forum rocks!