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Message
How do I legally protect an idea for a company?
Posted on 6/18/14 at 3:11 pm
Posted on 6/18/14 at 3:11 pm
I've been toying around with an idea for an internet marketplace of sorts, and I believe it could be a successful venture and the first of its kind. My concern is that it may require a significant amount of start-up capital, so I want to protect myself from potential investors who may try to steal my concept.
I understand ways to protect a tangible product or invention, but what avenues are there for protecting my idea and business model?
I'm sure I could talk to an attorney, but I'm actually a little concerned that he/she may attempt to capitalize on my idea if I don't actively pursue it.
TIA!!
I understand ways to protect a tangible product or invention, but what avenues are there for protecting my idea and business model?
I'm sure I could talk to an attorney, but I'm actually a little concerned that he/she may attempt to capitalize on my idea if I don't actively pursue it.
TIA!!
8
Posted on 6/18/14 at 3:51 pm to slackster
Little paranoid?
Posted on 6/18/14 at 3:52 pm to slackster
Wait for joshnorris14 to reply to you. He's this board's resident expert on protecting intellectual property.
Posted on 6/18/14 at 4:15 pm to DownSouthDave
Yeah I guess I am, but I'd hate to be known the wrong end of a million dollar idea. Who knows if it ends up being worth a damn, but being wrong would be sickening.
Posted on 6/18/14 at 4:45 pm to slackster
quote:
the first of its kind
So you think you've had an original thought? Intredasting.
Posted on 6/18/14 at 4:50 pm to slackster
quote:
I understand ways to protect a tangible product or invention, but what avenues are there for protecting my idea and business model?
Ideas, processes, etc. are patented all the time. Nothing need be tangible.
quote:
I'm sure I could talk to an attorney, but I'm actually a little concerned that he/she may attempt to capitalize on my idea if I don't actively pursue it.
Unfortunately for your paranoia, the US switched from a first-to-invent to a first-to-file system last year.
In practice, if a firm was suspected of this kind of thing, they wouldn't be in business long. If you are legitimately concerned about IP theft, my advice is to be willing to spend some money. Look for a firm with a solid reputation and you should be fine.
Posted on 6/18/14 at 5:47 pm to Sigma
Thanks.
Posted on 6/18/14 at 7:56 pm to slackster
Whatever you do, don't give your idea a disparaging name.
Posted on 6/19/14 at 10:01 am to slackster
You're an idiot. Just wanted to say that and get it off my chest.
This post was edited on 6/19/14 at 10:02 am
Posted on 6/19/14 at 2:34 pm to LSUTigers00884
quote:
You're an idiot
Why is that?
Something tells me that your edit was to fix the way you spelled "you're" the first time, am I right?
Posted on 6/19/14 at 4:03 pm to slackster
what's your idea, i'll help you get started.
Posted on 6/19/14 at 5:58 pm to slackster
Amazon or Google are already working on whatever this new idea is you think you have
Posted on 6/19/14 at 6:30 pm to slackster
quote:
My concern is that it may require a significant amount of start-up capital, so I want to protect myself from potential investors who may try to steal my concept.
Not really sure where to start with this, because if you're paranoid of an investor stealing your idea, you might as well give up now. In addition, unless you've had a big hit or two, no investor is going to give you significant capital anyway. VC's look for "A" teams more than "A" ideas. And no investor is going to sign a non-disclosure, so don't go down that road.
quote:
I'm sure I could talk to an attorney, but I'm actually a little concerned that he/she may attempt to capitalize on my idea if I don't actively pursue it.
If you really think you have something, figure out the quickest way to get a prototype up and running. Web tools and cloud servers are anywhere from free to cheap these days.
Posted on 6/19/14 at 6:31 pm to slackster
quote:
I understand ways to protect a tangible product or invention, but what avenues are there for protecting my idea and business model?
Depends how proprietary it is. Trade secrets are defendable but you have to make an effort to keep it secret.
If you want to protect it, then do it.
Posted on 6/20/14 at 10:12 am to slackster
quote:
How do I legally protect an idea for a company
post the details here so you will be on record as it being your idea first
Posted on 6/20/14 at 10:18 am to DownSouthDave
quote:
Little paranoid?
He should be paranoid dipshit. That's why they have patents.
Posted on 6/20/14 at 10:52 am to ForeLSU
quote:
VC's look for "A" teams more than "A" ideas.
This right here.
BTW, if the OP is looking for advice on an open message board he isn't on the A team. Sorry.
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