I have an idea for a website. How can I protect this idea before sourcing a web design company to put it?

Question

together?

Answer 1

As a pro webdesigner, the simplest way is to write ALL details down and make a mock up sketch of what your after with all details of any original stylings or features. Then mail it to yourself and never open it. If the company rips you off, you have proof in a court of law that you made it first.

On top of that, it will cost money to make a company sign a non-disclosure form (hence the very cheap first method). I always work with original material and out of professionalism will never steal someones hard work - I know what it's like to be ripped off with it. So make sure you find a professional, not a 14-year old who codes from the basement and doesn't know much about the whole thing really. Professional web designers will offer you decent downloadable project sheets, contacts and non-disclosure forms, should you so wish. They will usually also offer up their real name, address and telephone number on request.

Answer 2

Have them sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). Basically, the agreement will say they cannot discuss the project with anyone outside the project. That means, they cannot discuss it with their friends/relatives/co-workers unless that person is working directly with them and has signed the NDA as well. These are very standard business contracts which help protect the owner of the data/idea while other parties are working on/with the idea.

You should be able to find boilerplate NDAs on the web just about anywhere. Have them sign before they do any work. It should also have legal terms in there which specify what they can/can't do and how any breach will be addressed.

Answer 3

The concept can possibly be protected by a patent if it hasn't been done before. Getting a patent on software in Europe, including the UK, is tricky, as there has to be a 'technical effect'.

Copyright only protects the actual code from being copied, which in this case is being written by someone else, but if your contract states it is a work for hire you should be able to retain the rights.

Someone mentionned a trademark, and you may be able to get one of those on the domain name, but more to the point if someone else has the trademark they may be able to stop you getting the domain name.

A full answer would be much longer, and you should get legal advice.

Answer 4

In addition to the NDA's, make sure that they are working under contract and all code, content, etc... are classified as "Work made for hire". This will ensure that if they use the code PERSONALLY, they can be held liable for not turning over all materials at the conclusion of the job.

As soon as the work is completed, apply for trademarks and copyrights BEFORE you go public. Even if they are pending, there is a measure of protection based on the filing date for each of those.

Finally, look at forming an LLC that will own / operate the webiste to protect you from personal liability.

Answer 5

NDA - Non Disclosure contract is the only way. Write up an contract and be particular approximately what you're disclosing to the different celebration. in case then you experience taken great thing approximately you have a criminal record and can take action. Our business enterprise isn't a utility co. yet we make each and every person sign one in the past they'd walk interior the path of the construction or communicate with everyone.

Answer 6

It's a copyright issue, von_dutch has the right idea, but also mail it to a trusted third party. Unfortunately big companies routinely pirate material and it can be costly and difficult to get redress.

Answer 7

You would obtain a patent. Patents protect the concepts behind processes.