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Can you 'own' an idea

  • 23-12-2009 9:38pm
    #1
    Chubbcakes
    Closed Accounts Posts: 113 ✭✭


    I know this is a silly question, but I was wondering if it was possible to 'own' an idea.
    I have started a small business venture, only to have an acquaintance steal it out from under me for his own financial gain.:mad:
    Is there anyway of protecting your ideas from others?
    Thanks!


Comments

  • #2
    random.stranger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 442 ✭✭random.stranger


    Hi Chubcakes,
    Sorry to hear you've had your idea stolen.

    I wouldn't say it's a silly question at all. I'm going to attempt to answer it, but there's far better qualified people on here to answer you, so I'm open to correction.

    You can use a patent to protect an invention of yours, on condition there is some innovative step in your design (i.e. some new/novel way of doing something).

    You can use a trademark to protect a company name or logo.

    People often use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect their ideas in meetings, although the worth of having an NDA is controversial. Some people are big fans of them, others believe they're not worth the paper they're written on.

    I think the best protection is to be cagey in the future. I don't go into specifics & don't tell people any more than necessary.

    I hope this helps,
    Best of luck.


  • #3
    shanethemofo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,514 ✭✭✭shanethemofo


    Random stranger is spot on.
    When it comes to having a good idea, your best way to protect it is to tell noone. It sounds harsh, but it really is the truth.


  • #4
    The Guvnor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,800 ✭✭✭The Guvnor


    Top advice above, it's a shame we are in a 'trust no one' society but that is very much the case nowadays.


  • #5
    kenbrady
    Closed Accounts Posts: 404 ✭✭kenbrady


    Chubbcakes wrote: »
    only to have an acquaintance steal it out from under me for his own financial gain.
    He didn't steal it, you still have the idea. He copied it, there is nothing to stop you still going ahead with the idea.
    The idea is the easy part, people go their whole lives thinking up great ideas but do nothing about it.
    Turning the idea into a business and making money out of it is the hard part.


  • #6
    Bandara
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,282 ✭✭✭Bandara


    kenbrady wrote: »
    He didn't steal it, you still have the idea. He copied it, there is nothing to stop you still going ahead with the idea.
    The idea is the easy part, people go their whole lives thinking up great ideas but do nothing about it.
    Turning the idea into a business and making money out of it is the hard part.

    exactly.

    You still have the exact same idea that you had before, except you now have a competitor.

    If your idea was successful you would have had a competitor soon anyway.

    It makes absolutely no difference. The person who busts their backside working and driving the idea is the one who will be the last man standing.

    Competition makes you up your game.


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  • #7
    FusionNet
    Closed Accounts Posts: 695 ✭✭✭FusionNet


    Im in a similar place to you Chubbs. I have invented a new product with huge worldwide potential yet because of what it is I cant patent it. You can as the guys say protect it to a certain point using copyright, trademarks or by using design patents. The problem is anyone can take my product and change it and mass produce it.

    Ive been advised the only thing I can do is get out to market first and promote being the first, best and just do it. The problem like yourself is a lot of people have more money than me and if they got the idea I may not be able to compete.

    I have on advise drawn up confidentiality agreements between me and anyone who is helping with the prototypes. So as the guys said, pick yourself off, dust down the suit and get out there with your idea. If its good enough you will be your competition.

    Best of luck and I hope it works out for you.


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