How do I protect and market my code?

Basically I had a over the summer assignment which I used to develop a piece of software which I guess will sell around 50 - 70 bucks a copy.

To make this clear. The final code is in Java (a requirement).

Now I was think about marketing my little creation however I'm faced with two problem:

1, I need to provide full documentation to the Lecturers. How do I go about preventing them from stealing my code/methodologies used? Would simple copyright be enough?

2. How do I bundle the software? How do I sell it? Should I partner with a publisher or should I just sell the code to a software company? I will need bi-yearly maintenance at least.
How do I protect said software from getting cracked?

How /prog/ has some experience on this already!
Thanks for helping out!

>>33

OP here,

I decided I'll keep it secret for know.

All I can say in regards to its nature is that it implements an AI methodology that I sort of worked out. The project was a programming project; however I got a bit deviated.

Anyway. I'll think I'd better advance my research. Who knows in two years I may have enough to publish my second paper :)