Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California
Ideas and Concepts Put Forward
I serve as a board member for an organization and
recently submitted an idea/concept to increase
membership of the organization by direct sales from
the outside...I gave the concept to a prominent person
and this perohan th deto national level without citing
me as the originator or cencept developer. It will see
widespread play within the rnizat utrema a part ohedea
for recognition or profit...How do I retain ownership and
what can I do if it is lost by deveious means...
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Ideas and Concepts Put Forward
Ideas that are manifested as Patents, copyrights and trademarks, as well as trade secrets can be protected. Unless your idea falls into one of these categories it cannot be protected as Intellectual Property. If the organization for which you are a Board Member has a written policy regarding idea submissions, you may find recourse under such a policy.