If I pitch an idea to a company, how do I ensure that I will get credit/compensation for that idea?
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If I pitch an idea to a company, how do I ensure that I will get credit/compensation for that idea?
Worried about the company saying no to working with me, but pursuing the idea
on their own without my knowledge or my help. I would like to get
credit/compensation because I know it is something this company would be
interested in and would like to pursue.
Asked on July 6, 2016 under Business Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
The only way to protect yourself is to have the company execute a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement *before* you disclose anything to them, which agreement recites that you are disclosing the idea solely to evaluate a working relationship with them and that they may not use the idea for their own benefit, or disclose it to others, without your permission (which you can charge for). If they do execute such an agreement, you can enforce it against them in court, at need. Note, however, that such an agreement will not protect you if the idea is one they can prove they already know of or is generally in the public--for example, I can pitch an idea for an app that will connect people needing rides with drivers, but after Uber, Lyft, etc. I can't protect that idea, as it's already a commonly known idea.
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