There is a thief on the loose.
He is waiting in the wings to steal your idea the second you launch it. He could be lurking at the next booth at the restaurant; waiting for you to whisper your idea to a friend – just so he can run off with it. No matter where you are, you are not safe!
So what’s the best way to deal with this monster?
Do nothing.
Take absolutely no action on your idea.
Wait for a patent or other “protection” to keep your idea safe from theft. Hire a lawyer and bury the idea in 1/2 ton of legal paperwork.
That is the only way you can be safe from this psychopath.
Yes, getting a patent can take many years of paperwork and waiting. Your idea may “fizzle” before you act, because when the idea is hot, there is simply too much risk of theft. But you know better than to get to work “unprotected” because at any time during your project, the patent boogeyman can jump in and steal the idea and the glory right along with it.
It’s tragedy that can strike at any time.
Take for instance an inventor I know. He invented a great piece of software in 2002. It’s helpful. It’s great fun. But you haven’t seen it.
Why?
Because, he is still waiting for the patent on it to be approved. Apparently, patents can take a long time.
Smart guy! He is protecting himself from theft before there is something to steal. But surely, he’ll be safe from the idea stealer the day his patent is approved.
I know there is a downside to seeking this type of protection. Lost sales, market dominance gone bye-bye, probably a couple hundred thousand dollars he could have been enjoying for the past 6 years.
But it’s simply more important to be safe, wouldn’t you agree?
I know that with software, there is a tendency for it to become “dated” over the period of 1-2 years. New computers make old software incompatible. Plus, there is a possibility that someone else will come up with the same idea you had – all on their own. But the years and decades spent seeking protection will all be worth it in the end. You see, when you have the protection of a patent, the world is your oyster. Then, you’ll be free to pursue your idea and nobody – I mean NOBODY will be able to steal it. Never-never-EVER….with sugar on top – infinity!
Delays, lost productivity, expenses and the chance that your idea will never see the light of day may sound harsh. But it’s better than the risk of having your idea copied or stolen.
Yes, being 100% protected from this type of risk is what’s most important.
One day you might find yourself wishing you had taken action on your idea. You might long for the lost fruits of your idea. Here’s how to deal with those distressing thoughts…
Instead of feeling like a schmuck for trying to avoid risk, repeat these words…
“At least I was safe.”
-Brad Isaac
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Brad,
This is a similar theme among writers – particularly screenwriters. Years ago, when I was in film school, there were a number of writers I met who had the same type of ‘protection’ mindset. They were paranoid about having their ideas stolen.
Over the years I’ve learned that my ideas aren’t nearly as valuable as my accomplishments. Plus, none of us are as original as we would like to think! We all get a lot of input from news, television, radio, the Internet, and other sources which stimulate ours (and countless thousands of others) creativity.
In the case of creative works, ideas are not protectable – only specific expressions of ideas. If you want to be known as the originator, you need to move fast, produce and release.
Great post,
Andrew Seltz
The Go-To Guy!
http://www.AndrewSeltz.com
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