Originally Posted by k0nr4d (Post 14764582)

non-disclosure and non-compete agreements.

Originally Posted by Donners (Post 14764557)

So I had a good idea for a script.. And I hired a programmer to do the job.

Now it turns out he stole the idea and created his own competing website with the script he made.

How can you deal with situations like these?

Originally Posted by Donners (Post 14764557)

So I had a good idea for a script.. And I hired a programmer to do the job.

Now it turns out he stole the idea and created his own competing website with the script he made.

How can you deal with situations like these?

Originally Posted by k0nr4d (Post 14764582)

non-disclosure and non-compete agreements.

Originally Posted by sortie (Post 14764701)

You fucked up.

He created the code and can copyright it and sue you for using it.
You created an idea but, as I understand copyright law, you can't copyright a idea.
Only the expression of the idea can be copyrighted and
the script is the expression of your idea.

Solution :

Make complete specifications along with flow charts showing the full process to be
performed. Use pseudo code and be detailed and exact like :



Now you can copyright you specs and pseudo code.
Also make a short contract specifying "This is a work for hire".
Work for hire means by law the programmer has no copyright
claims to the work he did.

Of course you can skip all that by hiring someone who is trustworthy.

Originally Posted by tranza (Post 14764930)

It happens all the time. Did you have any contract with him?

Originally Posted by k0nr4d (Post 14764582)

non-disclosure and non-compete agreements.

Originally Posted by xmas13 (Post 14764864)

Originally Posted by fartfly (Post 14764967)

:2 cents::2 cents::2 cents:

That or hire this guy ...

http://i38.tinypic.com/2mqkvub.jpg

Originally Posted by acctman (Post 14764693)

that happens all the time. I personally never give a programmer complete access to a site or an entire project. I only give pieces of it, I know enough basic php to put things together in the end. Also, use multiple programmers if you can.

i had one programmer once he saw the complete project and site, he message me asking can he view the backend and see how everything works. of course I said no, late found out some contacted him about creating a site script similar to mine.

Originally Posted by G-Rotica (Post 14764878)

It's called work for hire. If you paid him, you own the code.

Originally Posted by wheaties (Post 14765122)

If it's a really good idea, and you expect this guy to do it for peanuts, then consider your site as good as duplicated. Why not go in a revenue sharing deal, that way there's mutual incentive to get the thing done, and he'll be less likely to rip it off.

Originally Posted by StarkReality (Post 14765063)

NDAs are a nice idea, but pretty useless in real life. Partner up with a friend who's a good programmer, these guys do magic and you'll go nowhere without decent tools and scripts. You need them for everything, even SEO.

Originally Posted by Smooth J. (Post 14764636)

You got owned.

Originally Posted by acctman (Post 14764731)

...Best bet would be to go with a real established company that will probably charge you 10times as much but you get the security and piece of mind knowing you stuff won't be stolen...

Originally Posted by Nick Decker (Post 14767139)

Originally Posted by Donners (Post 14764557)

How can you deal with situations like these?