Non Disclosure agreements

[Scott-SCD]

Right well before I even start putting too much time and money into my development I could really do with some experienced advice. Since I don't have a Patent and I can't afford one my only option is to approach specific people and ask them to sign an NDA.

So does anyone have any advice on how I should go about getting an NDA I can use? What has to be written on it, do I need to register anything, should I get help from a lawyer etc.

Another thing. Would any reputable members here be interested in signing an NDA once I have it and giving me their opinion on my product idea? This is really my first step of research, if I have a majority of experienced Business people telling me that it probably wouldn't work then I may have to re-think my idea.

Thanks for any help,

Scott.

[bwglaw]

It is advisable to instruct a lawyer to draft one for you to ensure the NDA is watertight for your specific circumstances. By using a template or standard NDA you run the risk of it not fully protecting your idea.

You should only discuss your ideas with a small handful of people and keep records of all discussions in the event of a breach.

Jonathan

[nsdesign]

I agree with Jonathan regarding seeking custom advice from your own lawyer for such documents, but assumming you don't want to/have the budget, then take a look at:

clickdocs.co.uk

or
simply-docs.co.uk


I know of a few people who have used both.

Gary

[Antonia @limeone.com]

No NDA will ever be completely water tight. The nature of unprotected business ideas is such that to pursue damages under a breach of an NDA would be as costly if not more so than patent/trademark.

The more explicitly written the NDA, as Jonathon says above, the better as is keeping a full audit trail of all people involved and all discussions.

[cjd]

There's no short cut or easy solution. In practical terms NDAs are no real protection; they're more a comfort than a shield.

If you have an invention that has a genuine commercial application, a patent is the only real protection.

[autolycus]

Another thing. Would any reputable members here be interested in signing an NDA once I have it and giving me their opinion on my product idea? This is really my first step of research, if I have a majority of experienced Business people telling me that it probably wouldn't work then I may have to re-think my idea.

Thanks for any help,

Scott.

As and when you have an NDA sorted out, then I might be in a position to help you with your research.

David.