1

I stupidly submitted a brilliant app idea to a Hackweek - any IP lawyers around?

over 7 years ago from , Product Designer @ Match.com

No code built, just concept and mocks. I can think of some details (including the brand) that could easily be changed to make it more or less a "new app" but I'd love to speak with someone about what my legal situation is with this. I want to build it, and they don't care about the idea (until it becomes a competitor I'm sure).

To clarify: I don't care if they make the app or not. I care about my legal stance if I build the app on my own, considering it's probably their intellectual property at this point.

11 comments

  • Bryan Maniotakis, over 7 years ago (edited over 7 years ago )

    Brilliant or not, app ideas are worthless unless built. Get on it!

    2 points
  • Loui Mcfadden, 11 months ago

    So how to act in such situation. I have an idea about an app. What should I do next? I don't want someone steal it.

    0 points
    • Helen Bess, 11 months ago

      To protect your invention, you must apply for a patent. If your idea was stolen and you told this prospective company about an idea without actually writing that idea down, naming it, or acquiring a patent on it (if it's an invention), then you are likely out of luck. But maybe addressing a lawyer is worth it (if you are in search, I can recommend talking to the lawyers from https://zamani-law.com/, I had a great experience with them). I personally would consult a specialist.

      0 points
  • Rizwan MRizwan M, over 7 years ago

    i would say built and stand out with your app idea. At the end user experience does mattar..Remember merakat and periscope story.

    0 points
  • Mal SMal S, over 7 years ago

    The more competitions the better it is for your users :D

    I constantly add my ideas or people ideas and any ideas to getmadideas.com in hope that someday someone will build them!

    0 points
    • Sean LesterSean Lester, over 7 years ago

      Oh I don't care if they build it - I care that they'd come after me if I built it.

      0 points
      • Mal SMal S, over 7 years ago

        Ahh damn that's a whole other beast you have to take care of with them.

        0 points
      • Numecca .Numecca ., over 7 years ago

        Dude, if this is a team that came together over a weekend, or a big committee of random people from an event, this is going to fall flat on it's face. It won't even be a thing in a few months. Don't worry about it AT ALL. Just move forward and forget about it. Plus ideas change dramatically when you put something out there, you know that.

        0 points
  • Keith Hollis, over 7 years ago

    Always Horrible when that happens. Unfortunately for you the idea is just that an idea. You freely put your idea into the public domain, there for any one can take that idea and use it without your consent. My wife is a lawyer not an IP lawyer but a business lawyer and she concurs.

    0 points