Use Cases: When to Apply an IP Code

The Idea Protocol helps you set boundaries in common scenarios where formal contracts are too much. It moves the conversation to clear expectations rather than suspicion.

1. Professional & Academic Scenarios (Clear Boundaries)

These situations require clear, documented boundaries to protect professional work and ensure credit is handled correctly.

Scenario Goal & Problem Recommended License
Early Startup Pitch Sharing a sensitive business model with a single potential mentor to get targeted, confidential guidance. IP-P: Strictly Private
Seeking Expert Review Sending a preliminary research concept or draft to a professor for technical feedback. IP-FB: Confidential Feedback
Starting a Group Thesis Project Beginning a new project with defined partners, establishing mutual, equal ownership rights from the start. IP-CO: Co-Ownership
Hackathon/Workshop Brainstorming concepts within a temporary team where you need credit reserved if the idea is developed externally later. IP-GB: Group Brainstorm
Open Methodology Sharing Releasing a unique business strategy or mental model (a conceptual framework) to the public, where you only require clear credit. IP-ATTRIB: Attribution
Public Domain Concept Putting a design proposal or simple solution out for maximum public adoption, waiving all credit and commercial claims. IP-ZERO: Zero Restriction

2. Peer & Collaborative Scenarios (Preventing Accidental Misuse)

These scenarios show how the protocol can prevent misunderstandings or accidental misuse of an idea in casual or fast-moving environments.

Scenario Goal & Problem Recommended License
Research Idea Discussion You need to discuss a research paper idea with a peer, but haven’t formalized collaboration or authorship yet. Problem: Peer might accidentally share or start work on it. IP-FB: Confidential Feedback
Sharing on a Public GitHub Repo You push an early prototype project (e.g., code/documentation) but want to encourage forks and modification, provided people credit your starting point. IP-ATTRIB: Attribution
Sharing a Quick Solution Online You solve a niche technical problem and post the solution to a public forum, but have no interest in tracking its use or managing attribution. IP-ZERO: Zero Restriction

3. Unconventional Uses (Life’s Little Confidentialities)

Sometimes you just need to set a quick boundary on a lighthearted idea or sensitive piece of information.

Scenario Goal & Problem Recommended License
The Emergency Classroom Secret You need to quickly pass a sensitive message or piece of gossip to a friend during class, and it must not spread further than them. IP-P: Strictly Private
The Superlative Coffee Order You devise a specific new coffee order and want bragging rights and recognition when your inner circle starts copying your combination. IP-ATTRIB: Attribution
The Impossible Project Idea You need critical, honest feedback on an impractical idea (e.g., a self-cleaning bathtub powered by snores) to stop you from wasting time on it. IP-FB: Confidential Feedback

Remember, the Idea Protocol is a social expectation framework.

  • If you are sharing a finalized product, a patented design, or a core trade secret—you must use a legally binding NDA.
  • The IP codes are for the initial discussion and concept stages, where formality hurts communication more than it helps.