As an aging programmer, I must admit --it's a real challenge keeping up with the all the latest languages. Now I'm learning Ruby on Rails, but it's slow going. I was telling a friend how I had this great idea for a very simple software patent, but couldn't apply for the patent until the web application was done.

They suggested something quite STARTLING-- that I apply for the patent first, then once my idea was protected, I'd be in an ideal position to get an investor or two to hire some programmers, which would move the whole project along much faster.

Actually, it is a very simple concept, for a new business model. I CAN certainly write out the whole concept in less than ten pages, including flowcharts, sample screens, and complete specifications so that any programmer could write the application. It would be an entire blueprint..

Could such a document be provided to a patent attorney to file for a patent?

Or must I have a working model? And if so, does it have to be publicly available?

Thanks for you help on this. I'll keep you posted on my progress.