Software Idea

[usatraveler]

I have an idea for a software program. It would be for home use by individual consumers. However, I know nothing at all about computer programming, it was just the kind of thing where I thought, "it would be great if there was a computer program that would..." Where do I go now? How would I go about getting this idea developed, published, and sold, without giving up my rights to the the product?

 

[SFR]

First of all write down your idea in detail and why it is different from anything out there. I do not know what country you are from, but in the USA you would contact The Register Of CopyRights in Washington D.C. They send you or email (probably find a .gov website) a form, you fill it out, plus there is a paper-handling fee... and you get a TM next to everything. Once they have a record of your idea, then you can tell anyone.. and if you end up seeing that idea somewhere you can take them to court. I recommend NEVER mentioning anything on the internet.. international law would probably screw you.

So talk to a lawyer first, and look for the website (if you live in the US)

 

[usatraveler]

Thank you for the reply, and I am in the U.S. I figured that copyrights/trademarks would be involved in there somewhere. So, what should be my next step? How much do I have to know about the proposed software? I know I'd have to know at least what tasks it would perform. Would I have to know much about the interface? What it would look like? Or, would this eventually be left to a software developer/designer/publisher?

Can you possibly give me a very rough step-by-step outline of what I now have to do and how to go about it?

Where I am: I have an idea.
Where I want to be: This idea is sold in computer stores and in other locations where the targeted customers will be, I am profiting from the sales of the software.

What, just as a rough guideline, is in between? Any idea of rough timeline (weeks/months/years) or costs (hundreds/thousands/tens of thousands)? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I found some information about Copyrights on the government's copyright information website, and found the following paragraph:

"Copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, systems, or methods of doing something. You may express your ideas in writing or drawings and claim copyright in your description, but be aware that copyright will not protect the idea itself as revealed in your written or artistic work."

What does this say about where I stand in this process? Does this mean that I essentially don't have any rights unless I'm the one who actually develops the software itself?

 

[SFR]

You have an idea. You need to be able to explain exactly what you want. It is best to have every detail and spec written out. The job of the programmer is to know exactly what you want and to create it. So if you want a form with 3 buttons, the first button will be red, the second will say “Press me twice”, and the third button will make a high pitch, ear-drum-rattling sound every time your mouse passes over it... that kind of detail you need to provide.



Since you are not going to be creating the software you first want to make sure nobody can steal the idea from you, hence the copyright. But as you point out, that does not cover ideas. I suggest before you reveal your ideas to ANYONE, you make sure you and whoever will be listening to your idea will sign a legally worded document that will not allow them to reveal to anyone or use your idea.



Many people might say this seems like overkill. But it happens all the time. Giving away free code or ideas can do nothing but cost YOU money. If I asked you to tell me your idea, it would be in your best interest to have my name, the date and my signature on a piece of paper that clearly states what will happen if I reveal your idea to anyone or make money off of it.



As for the steps or specifications of your program(s). Like I have said, make them as detailed as possible. It is important that you do not leave too much up to the programmer(s). You do not want the programmer to have to make a decision about how the program will be laid out and run etc.., unless the way you specify will not work. If I want the user to only enter 2 letters into a field, the first must be capitalized and the second must be lowercase, I need to say that. Do not assume anything. Make everything very clear and precise. (Unlike this post.. lol)

edit:

I know I'd have to know at least what tasks it would perform. Would I have to know much about the interface? What it would look like? Or, would this eventually be left to a software developer/designer/publisher?

It is up to you. I still suggest use as much details AS YOU CAN. Of course if all you have is an idea, you can hire a programmer who will be able to take that idea and create what you want.... That takes time. Every step of the way, the programmer is going to need to know if he or she is on the right track. That is why, explaining as much as you can upfront can only increase the programmers productivity.

 

[usatraveler]

Thank you for the very thoughtful reply. I have already begun writing down the detailed specifications about each mode of the program, and have been very careful to say nothing about the program except that I have an idea for one to be used by consumers at home. So far, I have diagrams of parts of the program, with detailed descriptions of usage parameters for the user. In a sense, it's a storyboard format with notes.

Then, I plan to get the document outlining and describing each portion of the program copyrighted. After that, I would look for a programmer. How does one start looking for programmers? It seems that many ask for the idea so that they can give an indication of pricing and timetable, but that seems to be something I wouldn't want to do at that point. I'm guessing that there has got to be a better way of doing this. I assume this is the point where the signing of an agreement would come in.

In any case, SFR, your thoughtful posts have been very helpful, and I will make sure to heed your advice regarding confidentiality. I definitely don't think it's overkill. After all, that's the reason why we have copyrights, contracts, and such. Thank you very much for the advice!

 

[SFR]

That is the word I was looking for! ... Storyboard... lol



As for finding the right programmer: Is this a web based application? Will it be an executable file or files? Is it going to be an EVENT DRIVEN program like Visual Basic or would a traditional programming language (or object-oriented programming) like C++ better suit your needs? These are things either you can decide or find someone to decide them for you.



I have never looked for a programmer before. I do not know the exact process... (local IT magazines... newspapers) When I have the need to create quick programs or web page, I do the necessary research and program them myself (or ask my uncle for help.. )

 

[usatraveler]

I'm thinking in terms of a .exe intstall-then-run Windows program, installed whether by CD-ROM or download or whatever appropriate method.