Protecting a business idea

[WelshPixels]

I have an idea for a unique web site that if handled correctly has the potential to be really really big.

Unfortunately I don’t have the know how or the cash to develop the site fully.

Like all good web sites its one of those "why didn’t I think of that" web sites.

I could go ahead and take a year to develop it myself, but there is nothing stopping a bigger company producing a similar site and out spending me on the marketing.

This leaves me with a couple of options:-

1. Find some programmers to jump on board and help develop the site for a percentage of the company.

2. Find someone who is willing to invest some cash into the business for a share of the business.

Either way I would have to risk revealing my web site idea and them simply running of with the idea.

As far as I am aware there is no way of copyrighting a website idea so is there any way of getting my potential investors/partners to sign some sort of agreement that would block them from running of with my idea?

Many thanks

[Richard Conyard]

Basically it's a risk you'll have to take, however there are some steps:
Get them to sign an NDA
Write a proper brief as to what it is and get them to sign that they have seen the brief and that it is original

The rest is somewhat goodwill, but with those two you have some form of legal recourse if it gets pinched.

[creative-keyrings]

just got for it, look at the million dollar homepage, he started the idea but many copypied and arent doing crap!

You will always be remembered for the idea and be the one who makes the most out of it.


Just launch it !!!! :D:D:D:D

[bwglaw]

Basically it's a risk you'll have to take, however there are some steps:
Get them to sign an NDA
Write a proper brief as to what it is and get them to sign that they have seen the brief and that it is original

The rest is somewhat goodwill, but with those two you have some form of legal recourse if it gets pinched.

Without repeating what's been said. I just wish to make note that NDA means "Non-Disclosure Agreement"

Not everyone knows what NDA is or means

[WelshPixels]

Thanks for all the positive vibes.

I know what you mean creative, I have been watching that site for a while now and he is raking it in.

The site I have in mind is a lot bigger than that though and is going to need some considerable programming and will powered by a database.

I think I am going to go down the road of getting a couple of programmers in and getting them to sign a NDA.

Anyone got any ideas on where to get and NDA from? Does anyone know anyone that specialises in them?

Cheers (again)

[Eagle]

For starters, you could try...

http://search.msn.co.uk/results.aspx?q=template+NDA&srch_type=0&FORM=QBHP

:)

[Cornish Steve]

I faced a similar situation recently. Since the amount of work is substantial, I had no option but to contract developers. In the end, I did two things:

1) Ensured I had a signed NDA

2) Worked with someone whom I know through a mutual friend. I know that friend well and trust him implicitly.

As for funding, I used another zero percent credit card offer!

[WelshPixels]

Hi All,

Thanks for all the responses.

I have now drawn up a NDA and I am going to get a layer mate of mine to check it out on Monday.

Cheers