<span title="Patent/trademark/copyright">Patent/trademark/copyrigh...</span> question?

Question

I have an idea that I believe could be very lucrative. However, it relies a lot on cutting edge technology (Of which I know exists, or is currently very close to existing) and the implication of this technology. I know nothing about this technology in the "technical" sense, so therefore I would never actually be able to create this product. My question is, can you copyright or trademark and idea, without actually implementing it, and will companies pay an outsider for an idea you pitch? What would stop them from hearing your pitch, shutting you down, and then stealing it later on down the road?

Answer 1

From a lawyer.  It can be done with good legal help.  Before you pitch the idea you have them sign a confidentiality agreement.  A patent lawyer can search to see if anyone has yet to come up with the idea or has specified it enough to make it patentable.