CrowdFunding

How do I protect my idea or intellectual

property?

FAQ

Protecting your idea and intellectual property is a common question for

those wishing to use CrowdFunding

Once your idea is posted on a CrowdFunding website it is open for

anyone to copy and use

There are ways however that you can look to protect your

intellectual property

Protecting your idea differs from country to country and broadly covers

patents, trademarks,

copyright and domains

World conventions have been signed by most countries on

copyright and trademarks but

you need to take advice as to your own particular situation

Some CrowdFunding websites have systems in place to limit infringement

and can supply specific advice on what you can do

You can help protect your intellectual property

by looking at the following five suggestions

Document your ideas

Record and date your ideas and concepts as you develop them

See if you can secure witnesses throughout the documentation process

Patent Protection

Essentially your application for a patent needs to be

novel, useful and not obvious

This grants you the right to prevent others from reproducing your concept

Trademarks

This is a distinctive indicator using a word, name, symbol or combination

to represent a unique product/service

You can apply for a national, regional or international trademark

Copyright

Normally the first person who creates anything and fixes it in a

useable format owns the copyright of that creation unless sold or given

away legally to another party

Domains

Domain ownership helps protect your intellectual property so

make sure the domain is in your name

When you run a CrowdFunding campaign your personal name gets

used everywhere

You have the right to protect any unauthorised use of your personal

rights

Finally - you need to make your own judgement or seek expert advice to protect your idea before launching

a CrowdFunding campaign

There are many more resources available to support your CrowdFunding efforts at

CrowdFundingFocus.com

CrowdFundingFOCUS