5 answers
Liad
Student
Boca Raton
2
Questions
Asked
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As a computer engineer, when you have an idea, how do you make sure nobody takes it and uses it as their own?
As a computer engineer, when you have an idea, how do you make sure nobody takes it and uses it as their own?
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5 answers
Rachael He
Consultant
1
Answer
Florham Park, New Jersey
Updated
Rachael’s Answer
Like Daren Sia said, documentation is very important. As an alternative, albeit more public, posting articles or blogs about your ideas, or publishing research even on open source websites like arxiv is a great way to demonstrate that this is your original work. I understand being hesitant about posting or publishing your ideas, but it's possible someone else will take the same amount of time to think of a similar idea (I believe that happened with Newton and Leibniz separately developing calculus) and maybe publish it before you, instead of collaborating together to further your ideas more. So don't be afraid to share your ideas if you think it would better you and your ideas!
Daren Sia
Technology
5
Answers
Elmwood Park, Illinois
Updated
Daren’s Answer
Hi Liad,
In situations where there is a concern someone might take your idea as their own, documentation is your best friend. Anything you can point to that shows that it was your idea through depicting the concept, functionality, unique features, diagrams, flow charts, etc. as well as the metadata of when that documentation was created, who edited, etc. help protect you. There are also legal measures such as NDAs or IP protection through patents, copyrights, or trademarks which should be used in use cases where you think it's legitimately warranted. They can be expensive and require a significant amount of time and effort, and there's always the possibility of them being overturned / concerns with the practicality of enforcement.
Keep in mind that not everything needs to be kept secret or confidential. Making things open source or collaborating with others can lead to valuable feedback, improvements, and partnerships.
In situations where there is a concern someone might take your idea as their own, documentation is your best friend. Anything you can point to that shows that it was your idea through depicting the concept, functionality, unique features, diagrams, flow charts, etc. as well as the metadata of when that documentation was created, who edited, etc. help protect you. There are also legal measures such as NDAs or IP protection through patents, copyrights, or trademarks which should be used in use cases where you think it's legitimately warranted. They can be expensive and require a significant amount of time and effort, and there's always the possibility of them being overturned / concerns with the practicality of enforcement.
Keep in mind that not everything needs to be kept secret or confidential. Making things open source or collaborating with others can lead to valuable feedback, improvements, and partnerships.
Elliot Jordan
Web Developer
67
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
Liad,
I'll offer a short answer - keep it mum. Don't talk about it. Build it, work on it, polish it. Get it working beyond proof of concept. THEN discuss it with only your most trusted co-workers. This will help you keep your idea to yourself until it is ready to be announced and launched.
Good luck.
I'll offer a short answer - keep it mum. Don't talk about it. Build it, work on it, polish it. Get it working beyond proof of concept. THEN discuss it with only your most trusted co-workers. This will help you keep your idea to yourself until it is ready to be announced and launched.
Good luck.
David Olivier
Account Executive (Sales)
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
David’s Answer
You have the ability to secure a patent for your unique, proprietary concept.
Tahir Mehmood
IT Manager
18
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Tahir’s Answer
Hello,
If you have a new idea for something, jot it down on paper. Flesh it out in a diary or notebook. Don't share it with anyone yet, not even your family. Once you've got it to a point where you can present it, show it to your parents first. Get their feedback and involve them in the process. They can give you some useful tips, and then you can start showing it to others and selling it. Good Luck!
If you have a new idea for something, jot it down on paper. Flesh it out in a diary or notebook. Don't share it with anyone yet, not even your family. Once you've got it to a point where you can present it, show it to your parents first. Get their feedback and involve them in the process. They can give you some useful tips, and then you can start showing it to others and selling it. Good Luck!