When you interview for a job and they reject you, that hurts enough. But when you later see that same company initiating the plan you tried to sell them, something akin to existential depression sets in. Losing property is one thing, for it can be replaced? But what happens when it is your intellectual property that is stolen?

The first thing you need to do is inform the company that you know about the theft. Contact them in writing or preferably in person. If they do not return some sort of repy or try to avoid you, then you know they are guilty.

The second step you will want to take is to take any available legal measures. If your idea is protected, then your case is in the bag. If not, then things get more complicated. You need to contact local attorneys and see if any think you have a case. Find one that will work for a percentage of the money won through court instead of an upfront fee. If this is not possible then weigh the cost of a lawsuit against your desire for justice and decide from there.

The final step is to learn form your mistake. In most situations like these, you are screwed. A company that steals your idea does so primarily out of the well founded belief that they can most likely get away with it. The laws in this country protect corporations like individuals and you will face in enormous uphill battle trying to get your claim believed or even taken seriously by a public that is very wary of what is termed "frivolous lawsuits."

Next time you will need to get documentation of the idea down. Yes, you can copyright ideas, if they are specific enough. Go to the copyright office's website for more details. This is very vital so that you can ensure this does not happen again and that you retain your confidence going forward.

Having ideas stolen hurts in a special way that some people never experience. Be glad you had an idea worth stealing to begin with. Take the actions required. But most of all content yourself that this will never, ever happen again.

Learn more about this author, Royce Radcliffe.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Job search: When they don't hire you but steal your ideas?
We want to hear your view. Write now!