Discussion:
What is the name of your state? Colorado
I have an idea for a book that would require permission/partnership with a media company to write. I would not be able to write the book itself (because I do not have the appropriate legal degree required) but would like to "sell" the idea to the appropriate media outlet. I'd be interested in possibly managing the process but it's not essential. The question I have is "How do I try to convey my idea to the appropriate people while protecting it?" When, after having just told the appropriate parties of my book idea, does anything keep them from just going forward with it without having to pay me? Thanks.
Answer:
What is the name of your state? Colorado
I have an idea for a book that would require permission/partnership with a media company to write. I would not be able to write the book itself (because I do not have the appropriate legal degree required) but would like to "sell" the idea to the appropriate media outlet. I'd be interested in possibly managing the process but it's not essential. The question I have is "How do I try to convey my idea to the appropriate people while protecting it?" When, after having just told the appropriate parties of my book idea, does anything keep them from just going forward with it without having to pay me? Thanks. About the only way to "protect" your idea, if you are unwilling or unable to write the book yourself, is to disclose the idea only under a signed nondisclosure agreement. Of course, the agreement wouldn't actually keep someone from stealing the idea, but it would provide a civil remedy for breach of contract if someone under the NDA stole the idea.
Talk to a local attorney about drafting an NDA.
Answer:
Divgradcurl - I'd like to thank you for responding to my question, I wasn't sure where to go next. I will talk with an attorney and possibly draft a no-disclosure agreement. thanks again cpkncolo
Answer:
It is not possible to protect an idea. Companies don't buy ideas, they steal them. Many great ideas never come into the marketplace because there is no way to market them. Patents, trademarks, and copyrights unless you have the money to defend them in court get ripped off all the time. No matter what idea you have I suggest you get it notorized. Take a piece of paper and type today's date, your name and address and describe your idea. Then have the page notorized. This gives you what is referred to as the date of origin, in other words the day you conceived of the idea. This does not give you any form of legal protection, but it does create a paper trail which is necessary if you ever have to go to court. You might be interested in knowing I created a new football offense which I sent to the coach of the worst team in the NFL. It took the team to the Super Bowl. I had expected to be hired as a consultant, but instead the coach took full credit for having created the offense. It turns out that football plays are considered "ideas" and are not protected by copyright even though the playbook was copyrighted. I can still guarantee any NFL team a Super Bowl victory, but no takers.