Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi,

Two questions:

1st: Once you've patented/copyrighted/trademarked your idea etc, would you be willing to share and develop it with other users online?

2nd: If not why not?

I have created a website, www.launchlings.com which will allow users to evaluate and collaborate on new business ideas, so any answers and opinions you may have are greatly appreciated!

(also, If you don't currently have a business idea it would also be very interesting to know if you would work on somebody else's idea, to which you could add value, for a stake in that idea..?)

Thank you very much for your time

James

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Well, in theory the whole point of the patent and copyright system is to encourage inventors and other creative individuals to share their ideas with society, in exchange for a period of protection for their ideas.

This is not intended to replace common sense and some level of business judgment, however.  In the end, you have to balance the risks of disclosure versus the benefits.  Here it is important to look at other evidence that the group that you are disclosing to has integrity or not.

If you do decide to disclose, it is a good idea to clearly indicate that the idea is patent pending or copyright, as this helps mark your territory, and can fairly warn people that your idea is or may be legally protected.