Using someone's idea for a service (Yes/No?)

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MrBiggleswurth

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Question for you guys.

A partner at our office had an idea and with me being the web IT guy, I was asked to investigate how easy it would be for me to develop, set up, maintain, run etc. After doing my homework, I informed them it was quite a simple thing to create and there would be little costs/maintenance once its running, it would basically look after itself really (minus the usual suspects like bugs, website downtime other tech issues etc).

So this partner approached the management board who declined the idea. Reason being they make millions a year, and this wasn’t worth the effort due to the limited amount of people that would most likely use the system (low volumes) and the low cost the company would charge for a user to use it.

Sure, I get that but the thing is, on a personal capacity, sure it wont give huge cash but it could maybe give R1000 extra a month when it's live (if I'm lucky). I don’t imagine it will be a popular type service, but I think some people would use it. Maybe I'm wrong and it does grow and become busy, but my initial feeling is it won't generate more at the most R1000 a month, being a pay to use type service.

I am starting to consider getting this thing running after-hours, but not sure if I should get permission from this partner first as it was their idea? I know they have no interest in pursuing it in their personal capacity due to them having no technical skills, and the possibly low volumes of returns.

Should I just go for it on a personal capacity, seeing no one else wants to...or should I ask the person's idea it was for permission?
 
MrBiggleswurth said:
Question for you guys.

A partner at our office had an idea and with me being the web IT guy, I was asked to investigate how easy it would be for me to develop, set up, maintain, run etc. After doing my homework, I informed them it was quite a simple thing to create and there would be little costs/maintenance once its running, it would basically look after itself really (minus the usual suspects like bugs, website downtime other tech issues etc).

So this partner approached the management board who declined the idea. Reason being they make millions a year, and this wasn’t worth the effort due to the limited amount of people that would most likely use the system (low volumes) and the low cost the company would charge for a user to use it.

Sure, I get that but the thing is, on a personal capacity, sure it wont give huge cash but it could maybe give R1000 extra a month when it's live (if I'm lucky). I don’t imagine it will be a popular type service, but I think some people would use it. Maybe I'm wrong and it does grow and become busy, but my initial feeling is it won't generate more at the most R1000 a month, being a pay to use type service.

I am starting to consider getting this thing running after-hours, but not sure if I should get permission from this partner first as it was their idea? I know they have no interest in pursuing it in their personal capacity due to them having no technical skills, and the possibly low volumes of returns.

Should I just go for it on a personal capacity, seeing no one else wants to...or should I ask the person's idea it was for permission?
Click to expand...

I dont know what the legal implications are, but from an ethical standpoint I would approach them and ask them if they are interested in pursuing it outside of work in partnership with you. If they decline, ask if you have their permission to pursue it in your personal capacity.

I would feel a bit iffy about taking someone elses idea. If your profit estimates are correct, they're unlikely to make a stink about it, but you work with this guy and it could sour your relationship.

Worst case scenario is he says no on both counts and you 'lose' R1000pm that you didnt have to begin with, but at least you're not stealing anyone's intellectual property.

2c <-mine
 
Agreed. Ask both your employer and the person who came up with the idea. Many employment contracts in any case make provision for IP rights, typically giving title to the employer org. Start with checking your employment contract.
 
"Intellectual property" is not a real physical thing, unless he own the ideas, rights or patent for it, it's up for grabs and even then, it's under limited rules due to competitive human nature. Everything in life is a copy of a copy, and at worst this idea can be broken down simplistically and found existing somewhere in the world already.

Approach him, tell him you'd like to purchase the idea and he can make you an offer, only to be ethical if you want to, otherwise how would he find out what you do after hours or if the idea exists at all?

If he hasn't got the how-to, and you do, why not use it?
 
Thanks guys. Popped a mail asking if the management board would change their tune. Reply was no, shot down...but they are keeping my research the idea on file. So either they will tackle this on a personal level, or they hoping the MB change their mind next year? Dunno...will leave it. Might just drop a hint I could do it part time for them if wanting to go the personal route though.

Thanks all, appreciated <:D
 
Didn't you watch "Social Network", get permission, ask them to even sign an agreement.
 
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