Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have an idea for an internet search engine that is different than i have seen from any of the main search engines IE Google, Yahoo, etc.  I am having trouble finding out where to start as im scared to pitch my idea and have it stolen. Please let me know what i can do. Thanks.

well, 1st off...good luck tapping into the search market, cause your like stepping into a ring w/ millions of lions and your holding nothing but a pencil.

but, all i can say is whoever you talk to, make sure to get a NDA (non-discolsure agreement) signed.  It can protect you pretty far.

i wish you luck, and hope i can "try" to transition from google to your search site!

Ok, maybe i wasnt really clear in my description. My idea is something google could use to improve thier service. Can i patent an idea, so i own it and if someone like google used it they would have to go through me?

You could patent it, but they have all these if it's this or that rules about a patent, trademark etc.  Like if it's an online thing it's considered literary content and you can't necessarily copyright an idea but if you list it as something to that extent you could get it registered.  Just do a google search for copyrights and patents, it will bring up alot of places you could use.  Most of them have to be sent off to the gov't as well.  Hope that helps.

hire a lawyer.  yes, you have the money.

with the kind of contempt we see for intellectual property rights I can only pray for you. May be implement your idea andmaximize on the money before they get wind of it.