If I came up with a new web service or API in the US (like gravatar) my understanding is that I have exactly one year to fill a patent on the service unique process if I want any rights to it.
To save money during that first year I could also file a Provisional Patent to buy some time and save some money in the short run.
Anyway, the US uses "
first to invent" to protect inventors that are beaten by others who might file first even if they did not invite the [noun/idea] first. In other words,
if you made it first then you get first dibs on the patent.
So my question is, if I release a web API like gravatar or disqus before I filed anything - would I be in danger of someone liking my idea and stealing it if they file first - or would I have a couple months to work on the patent after the launch without worry since it's clear I released the site/API first?
My main concern is that someone will like what I did, copy it, patent it first, and then sue me for using their patented process.