CanI protect my idea for a product by sending a registered letter to myself?
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CanI protect my idea for a product by sending a registered letter to myself?
Asked on February 24, 2012 under Business Law, Minnesota
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Sending a registered letter to yourself has no legal effect, though it's still not a bad idea, since it provides evidence of when you had the idea--that is, in the event of a dispute in which it is important when you had an idea (vs. when someone else had or heard of it), the letter can provide evidence.
If you are planning on disclosing the idea to anyone-such as to someone who may be interested in funding its development or manufacturing it--have them sign a confidentiality agreement first, in which they acknowledge that the idea is yours, is being provided only for purposes of reviewing or considering a business arrangement, and that they will not disclose the idea to anyone else or use it for their own benefit.
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