Amazon.com
“Put as much in writing as possible and save that documentation. By creating a paper trail, you’ll have proof of your concept if it does go to court. Keep a log of every discussion you have where details of your business are disclosed. This log could come in handy if you find one of those conversations go somewhere.”
7 Simple Ways You Can Protect Your Idea From Theft, Forbes.com, by Drew Hendricks
Amazon.com
“To make sure your next million dollar idea isn’t stolen or copied, we enlisted the help of specialists in “idea security” to find out how you can avoid becoming a hard luck story…Rather than trying to avoid attention, flag ideas as your own even at an early stage. “Use the right symbols in your media and marketing material alerts,” recommends David Bloom, head of Safeguard iP, a specialist Intellectual Property (IP) insurance broker. Patent and design numbers can be added later…”
5 ways to stop your ideas being stolen, CNN.Com, by Kieron Monks
Amazon.com
“Turn to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for help. Fortunately, patents aren’t the only tools available to protect our ideas. First, file a provisional patent application. You can do this yourself online or use a template such as Invent + Patent System or Patent Wizard to help you. The USPTO also has call centers available with staff members on hand to answer questions and offer guidance.”
How to Protect Your Business Idea Without a Patent, Entrepreneur.com, by Stephen Key
“Tortious interference with business occurs when another person directly interferes with a business’s ability to operate. This offense usually involves other offenses, such as defamation. However, if a person steals your idea and then actively works to prevent you from bringing your idea to fruition, this could constitute tortious interference.”
What Is the Legal Term for Stealing a Business Idea?, AZCentral.com, by Van Thompson
“I say do what you can. Do the legal end when it’s practical, but don’t trust it. Don’t think it solves the problem.
You’ll never get a legitimate investor to sign one of those documents before you pitch. If an investor signs off on a non-disclosure, she’s just ruled out a whole class of business she can never invest in without risking legal action. They just don’t do it.
And, I think lots of people who you might want as team members would be put off with the idea of signing a legal document before talking about it. I would.”
How to Really Protect Your Business Idea, BPlans.com, by Tim Berry