Is it worth it...

menappi

I launched my online biz half a year ago and my partner and I knew it was going to be a hit before it was live. Now there are several knock off websites (all poorly done) and I`m wondering if I should trademark anything, or patent it or what? I`m kinda confused about it but isn`t it easy to just change something so it doesn`t infringe? What are you actually protecting if you are just a regular guy like myself with a small bank, assuming if someone did just copy my idea flat out..where would i get the money to sue them or try to fight them?

DeenaEsq

I agree with Craig that without money to enforce a trademark or copyright suit, it`s difficult to keep your IP from being used by someone else.  That being said, having copyright and trademark protection means that you can keep others from using your IP either through takedown notices to Google and the infringer`s host or through cease and desist letters (which, of course, won`t work for serious intentional infringers, but will often suffice for unintentional infringers or infringers who don`t understand the law). 
Unfortunately, you`ve been in business too long to file a patent (which, to my understanding has to be done within the first year).  Let me know if you have other questions.
Deena
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