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seven
Senior Member
USA
1037 Posts |
 Posted - 02 May 2004 : 00:52:11
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I have what I feel is a good idea for a software concept I want to share with another company but don't want them to take the idea and run with it on their own. Any suggestions as to how to protect myself from "idea theft"?
Shoudld I just keep it quiet?
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Doug G
Support Moderator
USA
6493 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2004 : 01:03:59
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If you think it's valuable enough, you can get the other party to sign a NDA (non-disclosure agreement) prior to showing anything.
You can get some protection if you fully document your concept and then seal it in an untamperable envelope and mail it to yourself. This is primarily for some after-the-fact problem where you need to prove when you came up with the idea. Postmarks have been accepted as legal proof of "when".
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Doug G
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Computer history and help at www.dougscode.com |
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TestMagic
Senior Member
USA
1568 Posts |
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chumbawumba
Junior Member
United Kingdom
304 Posts |
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chumbawumba
Junior Member
United Kingdom
304 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2004 : 06:53:51
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I have an idea for a solar-powered coolbox. chills your beers while you sit in the sunshine.
I also have an idea for designing a *comfortable* toilet. Have you ever thought about just how uncomfortable a toilet is ?! (The GTi version will also analyse your stools and make dietary recommendations).
you heard it here first Gents...  |
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pdrg
Support Moderator
United Kingdom
2897 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2004 : 10:13:09
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| the traditional inventord dilema - there's very little you can do - maybe you could develop the idea to prototype or attempt to secure a patent - there is no 'magic bullet' |
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HuwR
Forum Admin
United Kingdom
20584 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2004 : 10:58:29
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Doug's suggestion is the way to go, you absolutely must get them to sign an NDA if you are worried, it is no big deal, I have to sign a lot of NDA's for stuff I use or write, it is a very common practice among software authors/vendors.
Maybe discuss it with a few close friends first, if they think your idea is good, then approach a company to discuss it, I'm sure their are people on the forums who would also offer advice on your idea without wanting to nick it for themselves. |
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seven
Senior Member
USA
1037 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2004 : 17:23:48
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The problem is getting them interested enought in order to sign the NDA without giving away too much.
quote:
Originally posted by HuwR
Doug's suggestion is the way to go, you absolutely must get them to sign an NDA if you are worried, it is no big deal, I have to sign a lot of NDA's for stuff I use or write, it is a very common practice among software authors/vendors.
Maybe discuss it with a few close friends first, if they think your idea is good, then approach a company to discuss it, I'm sure their are people on the forums who would also offer advice on your idea without wanting to nick it for themselves.
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redbrad0
Advanced Member
USA
3725 Posts |
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seahorse
Senior Member
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2004 : 23:21:37
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Can you patent it first? After all if Amazon can patent "one click" shopping you can pretty much patent anything.
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Ken
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Worldwide Partner Group
Microsoft |
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