Protecting your idea in an i-DEPOT
Do you have an original idea? You cannot protect an idea that has not yet been developed. But you can record it in the i-DEPOT. This allows you to prove that your idea existed on a certain date. Examples include ideas for a (fashion) design, song lyrics or invention.
What is an i-DEPOT?
An i-DEPOT is a way to prove that your idea existed on a certain date. Sometimes you need to show that you were the first one to come up with the idea, like in a legal dispute. That's where the i-DEPOT from the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property, BOIP can help.
The i-DEPOT can also be useful to demonstrate that you hold the copyright to a work, such as a text, photograph, or piece of music. Copyright arises automatically when an original work is created. But sometimes it can be difficult to prove who holds the copyright. An i-DEPOT can strengthen your position in terms of evidence.
Trade secrets
The i-DEPOT can also help you comply with requirements for protecting information such as trade secrets. The i-DEPOT is considered a “reasonable measure” for keeping information confidential.
Where is the i-DEPOT valid?
In the event of a dispute, you can use your i-DEPOT anywhere in the world as evidence. In Europe, the courts will always admit an i-DEPOT as evidence. In other countries, the judges decide whether they will admit the evidence or not.
How do I register my idea in i-DEPOT online?
You can register your idea quickly and easily online.
- Then log in.
- Click on “Submit i-DEPOT”.
- Fill in the requested information.
- Upload the document containing your idea.
Describe your idea as clearly as possible, possibly with an image as an example.
Storage period and costs i-DEPOT
You can submit your idea digitally or on paper. You can always extend the storage period by 5 years.
- €37 for a digital i-DEPOT for 5 years and €53 for 10 years
- €26 for renewing a digital i-DEPOT for 5 years
- €15 for drawing up a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
View all fees on the BOIP website or submit your i-DEPOT directly.
Confidentiality agreement for your i-DEPOT
Would you like to share your idea in confidence with others? A potential partner or investor, for example? If so, it is wise to make clear agreements about this in advance. You can do so with a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
In an NDA, you agree and record what the other party may or may not do with the confidential information. And what the consequences are if the other party does not keep to the agreements. An NDA is an additional tool in a legal conflict. Read how to create an i-DEPOT non-disclosure agreement
No intellectual property rights
The i-DEPOT does not give you any intellectual property rights. So, your idea is not yet legally protected. You can only protect it once you have developed the idea into a real product, service, or process. Have you have done that? Then you can, for example, register the trademark or design, or apply for a patent for the technology.