can I protect an algorithm?

[doug02346]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MA

Turning once again to the very many helpful people on this great resource.

I'm writing an algorithm for an app I'm developing. Of course there are countless ways to write an algorithm to accomplish the same goal. What I'm wondering is, what's the best way to protect it, if I can at all.

As usual, thank you for providing some of your valuable time. It is much appreciated!

Doug

 

[FlyingRon]

There are three general ways to protect computer software.

Copyright covers the copying of the expression. The underlying algorithm, is not protected by this. Anybody is free to implement the algorithm in their own code.
If the algorithm is novel and non-obvious, then you may be able to obtain patent protection.
The usual way is to just keep the nature of the how the software accomplishes its job to yourself as a trade secret. This won't protect someone from using the algorithm elsewhere unless they obtained it through violation of your secret.