Startup Guides > Protecting Your Idea

Welcome to the 40billion.com startup guide to protecting your idea. This simple guide is for new entrepreneurs and individuals who believe that they have a great business idea and want to protect their intellectual property. Use this startup guide to learn how to protect your intellectual property - also known as IP, ideas, or creative works - before pitching, networking, or hiring. You can protect your IP through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and non-disclosure agreements. Includes templates for creating an invention disclosure form and a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

The first thing you need to know is that you are not alone. The shift from large companies to smaller companies is a trend that has been underway for many years, and the shift is due to many factors, including large company layoffs, veterans returning to the work force, people looking for a second income, and those just excited to provide a product or service that fills a need in the market. Being your own boss can be a rewarding experience, but it has never been more important for you to consider patenting your idea or registering your name as a trademark, especially if you are a small business owner or you're starting a small business...