Disclaimer & Legal Notice

Please Read Carefully: The Idea Protocol is a Social and Moral Framework, Not a Legal Contract.

What the Idea Protocol Is

The Idea Protocol is a tool designed to set clear, non-legal expectations for sharing early-stage ideas, concepts, and thoughts. It acts as a framework for mutual understanding and respect among collaborators, peers, and mentors.

The purpose of the protocol is to facilitate communication and build trust during the sensitive brainstorming and feedback phases where formal legal agreements (like NDAs) are typically too heavy or inappropriate.

What the Idea Protocol Is NOT

The license codes (IP-P, IP-FB, etc.) are not legally binding contracts, covenants, or Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). By sharing or receiving an idea under this protocol, you are agreeing to a social and moral guideline, not a legally enforceable obligation.

The text of the protocol, the guidelines, and this entire website are not legal advice. You should not rely on the Idea Protocol to protect finalized products, patentable inventions, or sensitive trade secrets. If you need legally enforceable protection, you must consult an attorney and use formal legal documents (like a signed NDA or contract).

3. Limitation of Liability

The creators and contributors of the Idea Protocol assume no legal responsibility for the misuse, unauthorized sharing, or development of any idea or concept shared under these codes. The risk of sharing an idea always remains with the Sharer.

When to Use an NDA

If your idea has matured into a core business asset (a finished product, a documented invention, a crucial trade secret), you must seek formal legal protection before sharing it with investors or business partners. The Idea Protocol is for the “idea-sharing stage,” not the “asset protection stage.”