Protecting new business idea when disclosing idea to potential partners

[j-unit]

I want to start a a new business, which is to provide a specific service to the tenants of an office building. I need to find out whether the building management would be open to allow this business to operate on it's premises and also whether they would want some form of rental or payment to allow me to run my service on their premises.

The service would be beneficial to the building management firm, because it provides a service that enhances the quality of life of employees of the companies renting the offices.

But, how do I go about protecting the "business idea" if I go to the building management company and present the idea to them? (I'm afraid that they will just say no to me and then start providing the service themselves, as it is quite a simple business concept.)

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

[blunomore]

Have them sign a non-disclosure agreement.

[atomcrusher]

I'm afraid that they will just say no to me and then start providing the service themselves, as it is quite a simple business concept.

While a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may offer some protection, it may not be enough, particularly in view of your statement ...

quite a simple business concept

This suggests that the concept may not be unique, ground-breaking, and 'never-done-before'. If the concept consists of one or more elements of uniqueness (i.e. never been done before) then you may need to go the professional legal advice route, and to perhaps even have the concepts registered / trademarked in your name, which would then offer better protection (than merely a NDA) against being poached / copied / implemented, without your receiving some material and/or financial reward.

[thatdamnJoe]

hmmm, tricky

Business ideas cannot be protected in SA. You'll either have to make the offer good enough so they wont want to do it, or outperform them. go Capitalism

[blunomore]

While a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may offer some protection, it may not be enough, particularly in view of your statement ....

If it does not offer enough protection, it was drafted badly.

If it was drafted properly, the OP has recourse.