[antonio24]

Hello,

just a few days ago a breakthrough idea came to my mind which could easily generate millions of dollars if executed properly. I cannot say much about it but only that it would be a software. I don't know much about programming so I would need to hire some programmers in order for it to work. Now, the question is, how do I protect myself from programmers or anyone stealing the idea? Can I patent the idea itself or it has to be a done product/service in order to be patented? I am convinced that companies such as Google would be highly interested in this. Is there a way for me to present the idea to Google, etc. and then have them execute it and do a partnership or something similar? Thank you very much for your time!

[F430]

You can patent an idea. As far as the software goes, you may want to research the best way to go about it (patent or copyright). When you patent the software, it becomes publicly available. Even though it is protected, you may not want to let your information out because the patent will run up. Copyright in this case would be the way to go, the actual code could be kept as a trade secret.

As far as coders go, I would suggest developing a non-disclosure/non-compete contract before exposing the idea to them. This way if there are any issues in the future of them creating and selling your idea, you have the proof that they are not authorized to do so.

The third item, presenting it to Google, I would say it would be better to do it yourself and make a working prototype before you take it to a larger company. For the most part, a company feels more comfortable making the acquisition based off of a proven track record.

Get some programmers, get a plan together, and go for it!

Hope this helps.

[antonio24]

Yes, it definitely helped! Thank you very much.

Antonio