A lesson learned. Van Gogh painted in a very distinct style. I could paint in that style as long as I didn't paint the same exact painting and call it a Van Gogh. Maybe I could use his style and paint a great painting. How ever good it was I would be called a copy cat and never be given credit for a great painting.

This is the same with a great idea. You can not prevent others from using it but if you acted on it and brought it to the world. It would be yours. Any one using that idea would have to credit you or face losing their reputation.
Example- If I quoted a long dead person and called it my own. You know what would happen.

If your idea is a process keep it to your self. Use it and only on your death bed reveil it. hee hee If its a good one others will try to emulate it but it will be known as the Draymorton process. Your fame will grow and hopefully so will your pocket book.