Confidentiality

A good idea should be protected by keeping it secret until it is developed it into drawings or plans which can be copyright, or a product which can be patented. Confidentiality agreements can be used to prevent others stealing ideas while the inventor consider how to develop them. They allow someone to discuss their ideas with others, for example manufacturers, and such discussions will not count against them should they eventually decide to apply for a patent (see discussion of novel under Patents, below). Confidentiality agreements can be enforced in court.