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MJ DeMarco
I followed the science; all I found was money.
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My disclaimer is that I know very little about e-commerce, but I am beginning to realize that I need to learn if I want to get into the fastlane.
My questions (keep in mind the disclaimer!):
1. What is the difference between an algorithm and software?
2. Can both be copyrighted?
3. If I am looking to get a site developed, should I have my webguy sign a NDA and then tell him my ideas?
4.How do I go about obtaining rights (and obtaining the original programming) to the original software/algorithm ...I could really be misusing the word algorithm here.
Thanks!
Once a site goes live, anyone can reverse engineer it, and "copy" it in their own vision. By copy, I mean same concept, different name, graphics, and words. You really have little protection insofar as protecting the idea and/or revenue model.
Business models and ideas are mimicked everyday. A decade ago, Goto.com (Overture > Yahoo) came up with a unique, visionary advertising idea to charge a fee per click. Fast forward today, and most web advertising methodology follows this revenue model. It was copied over and over again despite the patent on the technology (which incidentally cost Google in subsequent years).
Internally, it would be wise to get your developers to sign an NDA as well as an exclusive right to their work, so they don't do your job, and then go do the same job for a competitor, or sell-off. Their work, since you hired them, becomes your property. You don't want them reselling it elsewhere.
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