How I can patent (or protect) an idea of a unique website?

Hello.

I am in the US and have this wonderful idea of a website which is going to offer a unique service to its users. I want to make sure no one else can replicate it after the launch.

Can someone shed some light on it if it is possible? I mean, if someone in India replicates it what I can do?

Second, if I can file a patent in the US? But patent is about "invention" and this is a new idea. Would it be considered an invention?

This website is basically going to offer a service which is not being offered today. Can someone help me safeguard my time and investment?

Thanks!
QAData

In theory, you can get a patent for a method of doing the service. Amazon has patents on "one click" shopping for example.

Additionally, you can get patents around the world in each individual country.

However, getting patents is expensive. Figure 10 to 20 K for the patent office fees and the time of a professional (attorney or agent) to prepare and file the application in the U.S. and then argue with the patent office about its patentability. You can do this yourself to save the attorney fees...but it's likely the results (if any) would be worthless...

The other issue is that a patent is really only a license to sue. If someone infringes your patent, all you can do is sue them. Sueing for patent infringment in the US is very expensive. I don't even wanna think about how much it would cost to sue them in India... Of course.... the fear of being sued might stop some people from infringing...