Hello,
I am going to begin offering a new web service soon and I am wondering if there is something I can do to prevent someone else from copying our concept.
Reading through the other posts I am expecting a "get a patent lawyer" response but I was hoping someone could explain whether or not what I will be offering is even something I can patent.
A good analogy would be a social-networking site like Myspace. Are their specific processes (e.g. user interface, profiles) patented? Or how do they prevent rip-off sites from cropping up all the time?
Any help is appreciated!

