Out Website: My Idea, my work, his domain name.

[fcwedd]

Greetings! The both of us reside in the state of Michigan.

To begin:

My neighbor and I, who are very good friends, have decided to start an interactive online website, one that is precedent and will surely draw in a following.

The initial idea of the website was mine, as I told him about the idea during one of our jogs. Moreover, the work on the website is mine, e.g., layout, structure, etc. The domain name, however, is his - he purchased the domain for the website; thus, the entire name of our website is under his sole name (can't register a domain with 2 owners).

We offer a free service on our website. It's 100% Online, meaining that no part of this website will take place in the physical realm.

Lets say that my friend and I have a falling out and our website becomes and smashing success. How am I protected? What do I need to do?

thank you

 

[JETX]

How am I protected?

Depends on many factors. Such as:
1) What PROOF do you have to support your claims?
2) How much money are you willing to spend to protect your claims?

What do I need to do?

You should contact a local attorney who can review your concerns and draft a document to protect you.

 

[fcwedd]

I have several emails talking about website and our 50/50 split decision. Moreover we both had registered the business name within Michigan. We both had to sign and file it at our city.

Should I just whip up a contract stating the obvious an have us both sign it? Will that hold any water in court?

I'm sure something like this will never happen. He's a great friend. However, I just want to feel protected, as I've put a lot of work into this and am not legally written down as the domain owner.

 

[JETX]

Let me try this again since you either didn't READ my response or maybe failed to understand it:

"1) What PROOF do you have to support your claims?
2) How much money are you willing to spend to protect your claims?"

"You should contact a local attorney who can review your concerns and draft a document to protect you."

 

[fcwedd]

Let me try this again since you either didn't READ my response or maybe failed to understand it:

"1) What PROOF do you have to support your claims?
2) How much money are you willing to spend to protect your claims?"

"You should contact a local attorney who can review your concerns and draft a document to protect you."

You asked for proof; I listed what I have.

You asked how much money am I willing to spend; can you elaborate? On what? I don't know what you're thinking.

 

[JETX]

You asked for proof; I listed what I have.

Actually, I did NOT ask you for proof... only what PROOF you had (to show the court if/when it comes to that).

You asked how much money am I willing to spend; can you elaborate? On what? I don't know what you're thinking.

If you have a falling out with your friend, are you prepared to spend $5000 in legal fees, etc. to assert your ownership claim?? $10,000??

The point here is... if you feel strongly enough to protect your claim LEGALLY, then spend the $200 or so having a local attorney draft the document you are needing to protect yourself.

If you aren't interested in spending what it takes to defend your claim, don't waste your money on having a contract created.... and simply toss the dice hoping you can trust your 'friend'.