I’ve had an idea for an app/website for years but didn’t bother to go ahead with it after finding a similar one already exists. The thing is, I strongly believe that with a simple change in the payment plans, it could be a multi million pound business. I want to use this myself in everyday life but don’t want to sign up to their subscriptions plans as I don’t think it’s worth it.
If I build my own app or website that offers the same as theirs, but with different payment plan structures, will I have copyright or other legal problems further down the line ?
Thanks in advance !
Does this count as stealing an idea?
byu/Status-Locksmith8933 inEntrepreneur
Posted by Status-Locksmith8933
4 Comments
Changing the payment plan is definitely a big difference. But maybe it’s worth a quick chat with a legal person just to be super sure? I guess the big question is, how different can you make it while still scratching your own itch?
Without more details about the application it is difficult to know, but as you have been told in other comments, it is best to consult with a lawyer and be sure.
Are you violating any patents? Any copyrights? Any trademarks? Are you using any of their confidential data? I don’t know of any other legally enforceable definition of stealing an idea. By some definitions Facebook stole MySpaces’s idea. By others MySpace stole Friendsters idea. Competing and survival of the fittest is the basis of why capitalism is as successful as it is.
Who gives a flying fuck if you’re stealing an idea. Unless you’re ripping IP or violating patent law, go forward in good conscience.