On 2026-05-22, James H. H. Lampert <[email protected]> wrote: > On 5/22/26 8:35 AM, Dan Ritter wrote: >> A patent covers the method. >> >> A copyright covers the wording. > > More precisely (and note that I'm not an IP attorney, and neither do I > play one on television, but I do have a general understanding of the > basics of IP law): > > A patent protects an *idea.* It places a very heavy burden of > proof-of-originality upon the applicant, and has a relatively short term.
He said a method. But all algorithms are methods, so his definition would encompass just about everything concerning informatics. The wording might relate to the language of implementation. But I don't know. An idea seems even more encompassing in relation to software, and an idea without a method in this regard appears completely evanescent. > A copyright protects an *expression* of an idea. It is very easy to get, > placing a very heavy burden of proof upon those seeking to invalidate > it, and has a very long (perhaps too long, these days) term. For me, the expression of an idea in software is a method, which we've already covered. > And a trademark registration protects a name, logo, or other branding > identification for a commercial product, from those who would either > wrongfully profit from the reputation of its maker, or intentionally > damage that reputation, or both. > > -- > JHHL > >
