If I have an idea for a social media game to represent the company that I work for, how do I legally protect my idea and still present it to the company?
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If I have an idea for a social media game to represent the company that I work for, how do I legally protect my idea and still present it to the company?
I’d like to be able to present the concepts and ideas for the game to the company while still protecting the IP behind the game. Ideally, i would like to use the game as the foundation for starting my own business and I certainly don’t want to give the idea away to the company for free.
Asked on February 2, 2012 under Business Law, Virginia
Answers:
Hong Shen / Roberts Law Group
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Consider having the idea protected, such as a patent application, before you present to anybody. Also, ask the company you talk to to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Be careful that you are talking about an idea to represent the company that you are working for. It might be difficult to argue whether this is work-related invention. If so, it may be covered by some agreement that you have to assign it over to the company. Talk to an IP attorney to find out.
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