Which intellectual property option is best to protect a unique method to diagram social network relationships?

I have developed a very unique and powerful method of diagramming social network relationships, or network mapping. I wish to utilize this method in a commercial service. Before doing so, I wish to protect the use of this diagramming method as an intellectual property via copyright, patent, or other. Which protection method would be the most appropriate?

The patent is probablely out of this question. I know that Price Line and others have gone that route, but it is expensive and a tough row to hoe. Furthermore, the US Patent Office does not play games; they just send back your application and they keep the money.

If you go this route, you will need a patent attorney. There are not too many of them around - and they don't work cheap.

Copyright is easy, and free. Now if you wish to file with your states Attorney General of Sec. of State that will cost a couple of bucks (usually $25 - 50)

Good luck -- DAVE

I would think submitting an patent application and maybe a trademark for the NAME of the procedure would help.

It also helps to fully document your study, theories, findings and factual results for publishing in prestigious Humanities divisions of notable colleges and specailized publications in the area of social/psychological study.

Once done, and you want to give it a try: take the necessary steps for Nobel Prize nomination of your procedure (the prize money is amazing--and could further your research).

Take care