someone stole my idea- not amused

fsdss

i had an idea at work, after selecting 40 new mums i tested the theory and its practice with the consent of the mums. they loved it - the evaluation of the process went very well (almost 98% success). anyway my boss (NHS) suggested i do this privately and the mums were asking to pay privately for this service (i'm not going to divulge in case someone else copies). but its basically about reducing post natal depression.
so back in july i registered my findings and intention to start my own business. the last couple of months i have been sourcing money for my project, doing the legalities (such as insurance, writing up policies, sourcing tools, locating venues etc). these legalities i know she hasn't done as i have been able to check with the county council.

Anyway i heard that one of the mums i used had opened up her own "business" doing the same that i was doing on her, she has a little experience, and effectively stole my idea. i went to see her in practice this week and she showed me that she has a gross income of £600+ per day. i have told her that i am not happy that she used my idea and her attitude is "tough".

the only thing that i can think of is to continue with my plans - but with the knowledge, experience and education (in a related field) to promote my business.
i know that i would be serious competition for her as i already have a waiting list of 27 people.
can anyone suggest anything else i can do?

Sallys_Savings

Sorry I cant give any advice...but just wanted to say ...good luck! and go for it, wipe her off the board.

BARGAINHUNTER!

Without knowing what your idea is its hard for me to reply, but you said that you registered the idea. With who? Is it covered by a patient? Is having insurance a requirement for this? If so, can you not report her for operating without the nesessary legal insurance? Has she set the business up correctly with the Tax Office? Registered herself as self employed if need be? £600 a day is a lot to earn without declaring it to IR! Perhaps a few phone calls wouldn't go amiss!!

BARGAINHUNTER!

Also, you said that you had this idea at work. Does it concern your work at all? I just ask as there may be intellectual property issues to consider. I only say this as I know that if a scientist makes a discovery during the course of their work this may have intellectual property issues.

paintpot

Go for it and stuff her. Sounds like if you have researched the market/legalities etc and she has just jumped straight in then you are more likely to make a success of it and she will probably fall flat on her face . Don't let her spoil it for you. A lesson learnt perhaps, keep your brilliant ideas to yourself in future.

fsdss

i did join a research project through my work looking at post natal depression. i had an idea discussed it with my PCT (NHS), was given permission to undergo some separate research (with borrowed equipment) based on the area's needs, the evaluation came back very positive and the Gp's were very happy, the pct were happy as there was a reduction (of the sample) of depression (which was measured). Because the Sample people asked me to do this thing privately, my senior boss at the pct gave the go ahead as the pct could not afford to fund - but i have verbally agreed to run 2 free sessions a week.
the idea is not a specific item, infact its not an item its a collection of thoughts and tools merged together.

i registered the idea with the local county council, as there is a requirement due to children being involved where they told me i was the first person who was offering this service. when i told them of my subjects business, they had no record for which she has a legal requirement to do so, so i suspect that they will visit her this week.

Jennifer_Jane

I hope you can get some legal advice here, but otherwise go to the CAB with the registration papers (am unsure of what you need to do to get protection), perhaps or to your lawyer. I would definitely throw all the legal stuff at her (if you can). Then anyway I think you will be more successful anyway. I hope you keep us up-to-date with this, we would love you to be helping all those mothers. I hope you become fabulously rich through all this. You will hav deserved it.

fsdss

paintpot wrote: »

A lesson learnt perhaps, keep your brilliant ideas to yourself in future.

i couldn't do that - i needed a sample of people to validate and test my idea - and the women chosen had a high risk of developing post natal depression - they were not chosen by me, but by health visitors and Gps

Smiley_Mum

Keep at it, go for gold and don't let the other person get the better of you. Don't give up, your persistence will pay off in the end. Keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself about the other person. Don't allow her to see that you are riled or she wins. As much as you want to give her a good shaking, just let it go. Concentrate on your business and go for gold. You will have the last laugh, I'm sure.

fsdss

Jennifer_Jane wrote: »

I hope you can get some legal advice here, but otherwise go to the CAB with the registration papers (am unsure of what you need to do to get protection), perhaps or to your lawyer. I would definitely throw all the legal stuff at her (if you can). Then anyway I think you will be more successful anyway. I hope you keep us up-to-date with this, we would love you to be helping all those mothers. I hope you become fabulously rich through all this. You will hav deserved it.

i think that i will go for legal advice now (thanks -one thing i never thought of!!!), at least i have all the research (demographic & health profile) plus Confidentiality agreements / consent forms and all other paperwork.

i would like to be fabulously rich but not at the expense of those who cannot afford or access a service. i think i will be no good as a business woman as my heart rules my head, i have a conscious and believe in treating people fairly - i just have good faith in other people and expect the same in return. thats why i went to my bosses for their approval help and sanctioning.

positivelymummy

just want to say good luck too!