Is publication sufficient to prevent patenting an idea?
<p><strong>Background</strong></p>
<p>As an experienced guitarist, I have a very simple idea that I believe is worth pursuing - at least as an experiment. In case it is a successful idea, I don't want anyone (including myself) to be able to patent it. I'm retired and I'd rather simply share the idea openly.</p>
<p>For mainly traditional reasons, the strings of almost every type of guitar fan out towards the bridge. I suggest that precisely parallel strings would be an improvement for some styles. In <a href="https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/109186/a-guitar-or-bass-with-parallel-strings">the following question</a> I published my idea.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>... I am publishing this idea here. If I have invented the idea of a
parallel-stringed guitar, I don't want anyone to patent it (including
me). This will stop any particular manufacturer from benefitting over
others. I do not want any financial remuneration for myself if this
turns out to be a good idea. This would apply to classical, acoustic,
and electric guitars.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Question</strong></p>
<p>Is the simple publishing of an idea online, sufficient to stop others patenting the idea?</p>

<p>This has been answered several times on SE patents (called Ask Patents).  Yes, publishing an invention theoretically keeps anyone from patenting it in the future. It is theoretical because it only prevents a a patent being issued if the patent examiner finds it in their search. Also the publication must explain the invention to a detailed enough manner. In the U.S. this is expressed as enough detail for someone skilled in the art to make and use the invention.</p>
<p>If it is not found by an examiner it is possible you, or anyone else, to bring it to the attention of an examiner in most jurisdictions. This would require you monitoring patent application publications but doesn't cost much money to do. After a patent is issued your publication can be used to attempt to invalidate it in some jurisdictions and also used an infringement defense in all jurisdictions.</p>
<p>The question on Music SE may not be detailed enough to constitute a publication of an invention. How does it work? You mention Hawaiian guitar - do they do this already, how is your idea different?</p>
<p>One thing to consider is that it might have already been the subject of an application by someone else. It might even be already patented.</p>

patents