I have been exploring the idea of patenting a technique I use in the firmware - as I am not sure how else to protect it.
The patent would only apply to the technique I use in the firmware. I will probably simply ship a less optimized version until then.
I think a copyright would possibly protect the execution but not the technique. I am not a lawyer. 🙂
True, but you cannot enforce an application, and in the mean time you have to disclose the technology. Not discouraging anyone from filing patents, but protection is far from trivial. In addition, if you want protection in other countries, you will need to file in those countries as well. Then there is patent maintenance fees...
My personal lawyer (Wiki) says it's possible to patent software practically in the US only so I could steal your code and sell it here in europe 😀 but that's what copyright is for 😉
At least it's nice to know it's something worth patenting. I'm eager to hear what it is, guess your not sharing that 😛 (yet)
At least it's nice to know it's something worth patenting. I'm eager to hear what it is, guess your not sharing that 😛 (yet)
Some chips have protected areas where you can't extract the firmware. I don't know if xmos has that feature.... This is likely the most practical solution if available.
Small operations are not afraid of patents because it cost more to go after them than what you can recover. Only big companies are "afraid".
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You can easily encrypt the firmware using xmos tools. But that's not exactly the kind of protection I am looking for.
I can't help feeling frustrated. Perhaps it would be better that you did not mention these products until they become a reality.
Russ, so do you really planning to precisely describe your work and give it to us in the form of public document (patent)? 🙂
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