Discussion:
from the state of Florida**************..
From what I have read, it is very difficult to protect an
"idea." I have an idea concerning recording companies but I doubt they would be interested in signing a non-disclosure agreement without knowing what the idea is. If I sent my idea to them in a sealed envelope with a non-disclosure agreement on the outside, indicating that if the envelope is opened, they agree not to disclose my ideas, would this protect my idea? (This would be similiar to the way copyright agreements are printed on envelopes containing computer software, and by breaking the seal, one agrees to abide by the copyright agreement). If not, any suggestions as to how to submit my idea to a company, yet still retain the idea as mine?
Answer:
You cannot copyright or trademark ideas. Pure and simple. When you get it into writing, it is copyrighted if it sufficiently creative, tangible, etc.
It would be stupid to send something like that. What you do is hire a lawyer (and if you disclose to him, he has to keep it secret per his duty to you) and go from there with your non disclosure agreement.
or your state bar. You want an IP attorney.
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I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.