Copyrighting Idea's

[Jay1b]

Hey

I (think) i have come up with a completely original security solution, which is easy to implement. I am in the process of writing for use here at work (initially). Perhaps trying to find a way of putting it on the market place at a later point.

The problem is, if i did do that i would want to protect it to stop others rewriting the same program and selling it themselves. Can i Copyright the idea to stop people from duplicating it?

To give an example, pretend its 8-10 years ago. I havent written the first firewall program that asks user whether a particular application can access the internet or not and remembers the decision. Like they all do now. Could i of done something to keep exclusive rights to this?

Also how would i go about trying to get my program on the marketplace?

Thanks.

 

[samsmithnz]

I dont know a great deal about copyright issues, but I know that what you are doing for your work, is probably owned by your work, as you are probably using work resources and work time...

so be careful...

 

[Jay1b]

No i am doing for work in my free time at my home computer. I already thought of that, it was my idea - i am just going to use work as a testing ground. All these lovely servers laying around

 

[samsmithnz]

Still you are probably using work time to test it with - which is still considered development...

 

[Jay1b]

lol......Typical.

 

[DiverDan]

Yes, you can copyright your program...but are you financially able to defend it? Copyrights are similar to patents in that the nuts and bolts of either the program or patented device are published to the public after the copyright/patent is issued in the USA, but before the copyright/patent is issued in Europe. This means that all can see what youve done. And if they copy it, and if you can catch them, and if you can prosecute them, then who pays for the prosecution....you do. If you win you might get something after the attorneys get theirs. But remember that these court cases can take forever to conclude (10 years is very normal) and in reality he with the most money wins, even if youre right and theyre wrong. In my opinion, its better to keep ahead of the crowd than waste your time and buckets of money on a court case.

Besides, China or Russia will have their own versions published before the ink on your CD labels is dry.

 

[Jay1b]

So generally its not worth bothering to ever realise commerical programs? Especially if its the idea that good not the program....

What about approaching companies with the aim to sell the idea? Is this possible? Any ideas how i would go about it?

 

[DiverDan]

For a small company or a normally financed individual, initiating a joint venture with a larger firm is an excellent idea!! But, make sure that you have them sign a Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Contract Agreement first before you say anything to them. This agreement will save your positure if they steal your idea, and these law suits dont take a lot of money or time to win. If you need a good agreement format send me a PM and good luck!