[oldandtired]

When you start to worry about someone copying your idea then you have already lost. If you have something that is worth while, be the best at doing what it is that you want doing. If others copy your idea then use that as a marketing point (My idea is so good that others want to copy it).

Onec you go down thae path of patents, it is going to cost your dearly - lawyers, patent office fees and there is no guarentee that you will ever get any return on your time and effort.

Unless you are a extremely cany business person who is able to manage all the various aspects of the entire process, stick with being the best there is in your very specific field and use that for sales and support.

You have built on what others have done before you and there will be others who build on what you have done. Trying to stop this is like trying to stop the tide coming in.

In my own personal case, any new ways of doing something or developing something are given way to anyone who wants them. I get the kudos of that work and I get further work out of my abilities, not that that is any consideration today as I am effectively no longer in any industry.