Is this stealing an idea?

[MintV]

I’ve had an idea for a marketplace for a while now. I’ve just done some research and found that this concept is already being done in the US but they don’t accept users from other countries to participate.

I’m in Canada and have talked to many people about their need and desire for this type of marketplace.

If I start this marketplace in Canada for Canadian consumers, is this just “stealing” their idea? I have some tweaks to make it better than it is currently being done but I worry that it is too close to their current business model.

Am I setting myself up for legal action if my website takes off?

 

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[Charnell]

This should answer your question: Copycat Business Model Generates Genuine Global Success for Start-Up Incubator

 

[MJ DeMarco]

No, it isn't stealing an idea.

 

[astr0]

I was always wondering why there are a thousand brands of soaps, beers, cookies, phones, lamps, cars and other consumer & business products, yet no one is thinking they're stealing the idea.
But for software/digital products it's pretty much always the case.
Yes, they may hold some patents on the implementation details, a copywrite on text, graphics and even design of their web site.
But an idea of making a solution for a need and the business model itself isn't considered intellectual property, I guess.

 

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[FierceRacoon]

You have to distinguish between patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Patent -- an invention is disclosed in exchange for temporary exclusivity. If they hold a valid patent, then it may be enforceable. Not everything is patentable. They may have patented some key aspect of a marketplace.
Trademark -- you can't use their trademark, obviously.
Copyright -- protects the original piece of work, so you can't reproduce a book or a dance piece verbatim if the copyright is owned.
Trade secret -- something that is not disclosed, possibly because the legal protections of a patent do not outweigh the advantage of keeping the secret, as with a high-frequency trading strategy.

 

[Ernman]

Go for it. As long as you don't violate trade mark, patent or copy write you're good to go. MJ even noted in his books that there are few new ideas. But many have gotten rich improving what is already out there.

 

[AgainstAllOdds]

No one owns an idea.

Do it. And position for the main company to later buy you out when they want to expand into Canada.

 

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[xps2340]

No one owns an idea.

Do it. And position for the main company to later buy you out when they want to expand into Canada.

Position to buy out the main company later when you want to expand into the United States.