A reader asks:
I was working on a business idea with and someone who I shared the idea with took my idea and my business name and started the business. Is this legal.
It’s morally questionable, but yes, it’s perfectly legal (see the post Can I Steal Someone Else’s Business Idea for more information). I’m sorry, I know it’s not what you want to hear, but business ideas are for all intents and purposes impossible to protect, as I explained in the post How Do You Protect A Business Idea.
What you can protect however is the execution of the idea, and it is details of that, that you should keep close to your chest.
Asking John:
Do you have a business question you would like me to answer? If so you can Ask John or or you can ask on the forums where you’ll get both my input and that of your fellow entrepreneurs.
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