Protecting Ideas/Project Plans

IPR/Copyright

[aspdaddy]

I am sending out further information to a small numeber of prospective suppliers. This includes the details of the project/sites they are tendering, such as the objectives, simlar sites.

This is to legit UK companies, not on elance etc.
How do I ensure they dont steal the ideas and/or take it to a competitor as a proposal?

Is it enough to mark the documents as confidential and copyright, or should I get them to sign something first? If so what

Thanks.

[rocknbil]

While this is no place to get or give legal advice (i.e., a lawyer's office is :-) ) I would say a non-disclosure agreement sent BEFORE divulging details is the best course. I've been in several situations before one gets signed before anyone says anything at all.

[Jack_Hughes]

a non-disclosure is only helpful if you have the money to sue for non-compliance and they have the money to pay your legal fees for such action.

most people will respect it, the ones that don't you won't do business with again.

[aspdaddy]

Thanks Guys, this looks like what I need.

I found a good online guide to Preparing a non-disclosure agreement [businesslink.gov.uk]. If anyone needs a template agreement, there is one in the PDF link on the right.

[jtara]

A non-disclosure agreement at least puts the other party on notice. I think that it will at least prevent a lot of casual disclosure. At least improve the alcohol/disclosure ratio. :)

[andye]

The UK patent office has a sample confidentiality agreement on their website, it can easily be adapted, and they give permission for you to do so.

hth, a.