Any ideas how to protect an idea??

Most importantly tell only people you trust, seriously. If you speak with any VC they wont sign and NDA because simply having an "idea" doesn't mean anything and besides an NDA isn't worth much these days.

A simple Google search will give you some more ideas, however try to disclose as little information as you can. Otherwise, try to give as an example the closest web site / application you can find for comparison. Suppose you are creating the next video sharing site only your target audience are advertising companies instead of home users. When describing your service say something along the lines of 'you know that unknown site YouTube, well something similar in its complexity and general features only with a real business model'.

Hope this helps.

I agree with 'ManOnAMission".

But if you have to expose your idea, use a NDA.

BTW - some VC/Angels may not be willing to sign without some information from you (catch 22...)

http://www.gobignetwork.com/wil/2007/1/5/you-cant-protect-a-good-idea/10021/view.aspx

No one is gonna steal your idea

Maybe the idea is at risk, and maybe it isn't. Playing on the safe side may not be a bad idea. However, originality of IDEAS may be hard to prove.

Maybe you should create a mock up, and then take the necessary steps to claim it your own using NDA. 

Hi,

I would suggest you to first convert your idea into black on white. Once you are clear with your requirements you can search for companies. The best way would be signing an NDA and then move forward.

Regards,

Manoo Haryal

www.linkedin.com/in/manooharyal 

One easy solution is to have a good NDA, and have it signed by every person you tell your idea.  

Practically, however, it has limited utility.  Many VCs and technology companies do not want to sign an NDA (because they might be already working on similar ideas).

The second solution is to reduce your idea to the most marketable practical embodiment (does not have to be a real product, just a detailed description), and patent it with a good patent attorney.  I don't recommend doing a patent yourself or through one of those quick on-line services.  If you are serious about your invention/idea, you can get a good patent attorney do it well, and can reduce legal costs by providing detailed description and drawings to the attorney.  

A simple patent can be done at fixed cost of about $3.5-6K, depending on the length and technology. 

-Daniel Basov

Solton Rosen & Balakhovsky LLP

110 Wall Street, 11th floor

New York, NY 10005

212-344-1744

www.srblaw.net