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Copyright & Patents/I WAAANT TO SAVE MY IDEAAA! help.

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Expert: - 12/21/2010


Question
Hi i am Andriana and i need desperately your knowledge, on how to protect my brand new idea, of a social networking site. I know nothing on how to program, so i have to give the project to a programmer and  make sure he isn't able to steal my idea.
I am waiting for an answer!I thank you ..

Answer
I answered this question already, but if you didn't receive it, I will repeat it, just in case.
Normally, a confidentiality agreement is the way to protect yourself from subcontractors stealing your ideas. Copyright protection is the way to go to protect the finished product, in my humble opinion. However, part of your agreement with the sub contractor is establishing an agreement that you will own the finished product. Of course, this implies you are paying someone to do the programming. If not, then you need to have a clear agreement on how you split the profits.

Whether or not you can patent the results depends on what the law is in your country. America is one of the few places that allows business methods patents, and there are some restrictions on that. Copyright has the advantage of less expense, and easier to enforce.

I hope that helps.

Best wishes on your project.

George H. Morgan  

Copyright & Patents

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Volunteer

George H. Morgan, P.E., Patent Agent

Expertise

U.S. Patent Law only, no copyright or trademark qualification. I was a volunteer in the past, but my homeland defense activities pulled me away at times, and I was dropped. If you want me back, I am willing to come back.

Experience

Thirty one years as a Registered U.S. Patent Agent and a lifetime in product and manufacturing process and methods development as well as sales and marketing of new products with a number of blue chip corporations.

Organizations
Rotary, Society of Automotive Engineers, American Army Aviation Association, Registered Professional Engineer, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Indiana Guard Reserve Officer

Publications
Various Society of Manufacturing Engineers & Society of Automotive Engineers technical publications. Ref. my web site: http://www.evansville.net/biz/patagent

Education/Credentials
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Machine Design Option), L.S.U., Baton Rouge, Louisiana; M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics Option), University of Missouri at Rolla, Missouri, Helicopter Maintenance Course, 18 weeks, Ft. Sill Army Aviation School, Troop Information and Education Leadership Course, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, Numerous Society of Automotive Engineers Seminars, Dale Carnegie Management Training Instructors Course.

Awards and Honors
Bausch & Lomb Science Award, Indiana Homeland Defense Service Ribbon, 2003.

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