I have a fantastic business idea...

[Fat Tone]

...obviously I'm not gonna tell you what it is just yet, but it involves making life easier for travellers. I think there is a HUGE market for this idea, and it can be tackled from a number of directions.

The problem is, in order to see which direction might work I'd need to explain the idea to 3rd parties to see where it could fit with them.

How do I stop them saying 'that's not gonna work' and then doing it themselves?

aka "How do I protect a business idea"?

T.

[GNEP]

Confidentiality agreement. Also talk to an IP/Patent lawyer first - if you have one who's a friend-of-a-friend then you can probably go over the basics for the price of a beer. Be very careful - I knew someone whose business idea was actually nicked. He's still bitter.

[Kurt]

Eurostar to Belgium, leave your idea on paper to a notary (sealed envelope ).

You've got to make a business plan and have a very accurate description of your project (what it does, etc).

You might not have to come to Belgium but i don't know how to do it in the UK.

Also, when talking to 3rds, have them sign an NDA and inform them the idea is already "protected" (you can include it on the NDA so they don't have to sign too much stuff).

Having them sign a simple bit of paper shows you're serious about the stuff and that you're doing enough to ensure it stays yours.

Of course you should have a VIP sign the NDA, not your usual clerk.

[ZokesPro]

"How do I protect a business idea"?

T.

Don't say anything about it on MURC, that's for sure!

[KvHagedorn]

Just bury it. Some big corporation with more money and power and lawyers will steal it from you anyhow.

[Paddy]

well you told me years ago!
(rushes off to companies house....)

[Fat Tone]

hehe no, not that one Paddy, but I do have several domain names registered for it. Now I have some experience with writing online database-backed systems I should get that going too!

[Lizzard[MPE]]

how about using people you trust with it.

[Umfriend]

I think there is a HUGE market for this idea, and it can be tackled from a number of directions.

The problem is, in order to see which direction might work I'd need to explain the idea to 3rd parties to see where it could fit with them.

PM me the idea and I'll see if I can think of something (not likely). With "directions", is that production, marketing or what?

[Fat Tone]

Without being too precise, its a service that can be provided for people making flights. It could either all be done by "me", or by the airlines or even the airports, all depending on what relationships and use of facilities they will consider. I could see this becoming a service that travellers would come to expect.

[Fat Tone]

how about using people you trust with it.

Wifey could do with a new job, as her current one is not stretching her at all, but setting up a company is quite a leap. Hopefully once we work out how to proceed she can go through the market surveying, idea protection, company setup etc etc. I think I can trust her Once we get to that stage its 'take a big breath' time and things get serious.

Having people you trust is an absolute must in any business.

The timid part of me says 'prove the idea will work and sell it' which may give quick initial return with little/no risk, but that impacts long term income. Perhaps the idea can be sold for a percentage of future profits?