How do i keep my idea safe?

Hi everyone,
I have run my own business now for about 8 years. During that time I have encountered a multitude of pitfalls and problems associated with my trade.

Based on my experience I now have a web idea that tackles these problems. I have some web building experience, but the idea would need to be database driven and fully automated, of which I have very little knowledge.

Based on this i have two questions:
1. When sourcing a designer, how can I be sure my idea wont be ripped off? Taking into account it will be the sites interactivity that is unique, not the content. And I'm sure that anyone I reveal the idea to will agree it has money making potential.
2. How can I get a price for my site without giving my idea away? I've emailed companies with a basic over view and got no responses. I'm not looking for an exact quote, just a ball park figure to cost my venture.

Welcome to Dev Shed.

You can't. Bottom line is that everyone nowadays is always thinking of how they can become rich. So if you mention your idea to someone who thinks it's a great idea, will probably consider doing something similar. The only way you might be able to dissuade anyone, is by having them sign a contract (which you should have your lawyer help with). With a contract, you mention that all work they do for you is yours, etc. Of course, there are those individuals who may take your idea, and alter it to make it their own. The best way to do something like this, is to have a friend, or someone you have close ties to, help you out. I also had a great web based idea, but only a select few know about it... close friends that I know wouldn't steal the idea.


When it comes to programming, it's hard to give an estimate based on an idea. There are so many factors that a programmer would need to know and consider. Without knowing all the details, all anyone would be able to tell you is a low estimate. I can guarantee though, that whatever price you are given by a company, will go up once more and more details are provided to them.

It's customary when you discuss an idea with a buyer or an investor to have the listening party sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement). Apart from that your options are fairly limited.

Hi. As the previous poster said, you could (and I believe definitely should) have your programmer sign an NDA, however as far as I know copyright and patent laws do not allow you to protect an idea therefore I would doubt that any points in the NDA concerning confidentiality of the idea would be enforceable by law. That is the programmer could later legally develop a completely different software which is still based on your concept.

I would suggest possibly hiring several independent individuals to work on different parts of the project so that none of them has a complete perspective. That might of course not be always possible and might also require you to have some technical knowledge.

I think you can protect your idea by confidentiality agreement that should be signed by the party and preferably drawn up by a lawyer.

Confidential agreements, NDA's, Lawyers or anything are waste here. Why would anyone who is having potential will not lanunch a similar thing... ?

Ask yourself... During 8 years of your business, how many times did you get inspirations from other ideas and implemented in your business practice. We are in engineering phase where something like this is really difficult to stop..

However, if I was you and idea is really that great... I'll not outsource the project rather I'll get my inhouse developers and manage the project myself.