HELP! MY IDEA WAS STOLEN

HELP! MY IDEA WAS STOLEN

You’ve spent time thinking about that great idea that will make you a millionaire. What is it? a musical work, a software, an application, an advertising campaign… After having decided, you decide to tell a neighbor about that idea that has been rolling in your mind. You have it clear, it will be a story. That story you plan to write but haven’t started yet. However, you think it will make you a winner of multiple awards and millions! However, some time later you realize that your neighbor published his first book… when you look at it you realize that it was your idea! The one you told him in confidence! How could he do this to you? Now what? The first thing is that unfortunately we must give you bad news. Ideas are free to appropriate! Have you ever wondered why there are so many impossible love stories, or so many still lifes with oranges, wine bottles and bananas. This is because the idea of ​​painting a still life or writing a love story is not protected. What protects copyright is the expression of ideas.

What is the expression of ideas?

The expression of the idea refers to the way in which the idea happened to be an abstract concept and materialized. That is, the idea come true, for example, the written story, the musical composition made, the sculpture. This is why many of us can write a love story but we cannot copy the words of Gabriel García Márquez in “Love in the Times of Cholera”

Some TIPS so that your idea is not stolen

  1. The most obvious, if you think it is a valuable idea do not share it with anyone.
  2. If you must tell it because you are looking for an investor, the ideal is to have a confidentiality contract signed. There are some versions of confidentiality agreements that are written in friendly terms and do not sound aggressive. However, this TIP although it is the ideal is sometimes not well received by investors, since sometimes they are not willing to sign legal documents.
  3. Do not share the valuable information of your idea. Try to keep what makes you special a secret, like a business secret. Yes, exactly! Like the secret of the Coca-Cola recipe. This idea also generates some problems, and that is that sometimes if you do not give full explanations you may not be able to convince someone to invest.
  4. Finally, if you must send your idea, try to send it as materialized as possible, that is, no longer the abstract concept but rather send the materialization either with a watermark or in low resolution. This will mean that if the person copies it or does something similar, you can have legal tools against it.

However, whatever you do, be sure to get the advice of a lawyer. Follow us at @palacioabogados.

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Juan Luis Palacio Puerta

Partner

Juan Luis Palacio Puerta is a lawyer specializing in Commercial and Financial Law, graduating with honors from Sergio Arboleda University in Bogotá, Colombia. With over 10 years of experience in high-complexity litigation, Juan Luis has demonstrated his ability to successfully represent companies and individuals in a wide range of legal disputes.

As the director of the litigation department at PALACIO & ABOGADOS ASESORES, Juan Luis has led legal teams in representing companies from various sectors, including finance, health, construction, telecommunications, and creative industries. He has handled complex matters in both ordinary jurisdiction and arbitration, demonstrating his ability to face legal challenges with determination and professionalism. Additionally, he has experience advising companies on corporate matters.

His involvement as secretary for Arbitration Tribunals of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce and as an arbitrator in the Chambers of Commerce of Cali and Medellín reflects his commitment to fair and equitable conflict resolution.

- Specialist in Commercial and Financial Law, Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Bogotá.
- Lawyer from Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Bogotá, graduating Summa cum Laude.

- Recognized by the Best Lawyers Colombia publication in 2022, 2023, and 2024 for Corporate Law.

- College of Commercial Lawyers
- International Trademark Association (INTA)

- Summa cum Laude Law Degree in 2014.
- Member of the "Rodrigo Noguera Laborde" Honors Group in 2011.
- Winner of the "Academic Merit" Scholarship in 2011.
- Special Mention as "Speaker" in the V International Commercial Arbitration Competition of American University in 2012.
- Member of the Talent Seedbed of COLFUTURO.
- Recognized as one of the best results in the Icfes Saber Pro Tests (equivalent to bar exam) in 2013.

Marcela Palacio Puerta

Partner

Marcela Palacio Puerta is a lawyer specializing in intellectual property law, with outstanding academic training and extensive experience in the legal field. Marcela holds a Doctor of Juridical Science from the American University Washington College of Law, Washington DC, where she also obtained her Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Legal Studies with specialization on International and Comparative Intellectual Property. Additionally, she graduated magna cum laude as a Lawyer from Sergio Arboleda University.

As the Director of the Intellectual Property practice area at PALACIO & ABOGADOS ASESORES, Marcela advises artists, authors, and companies on the management of their copyrights, trademarks, trade names, logos, patents, and other intangible assets. Her extensive experience in intellectual property litigation positions her as an expert in resolving complex legal disputes in this field.

In addition to her legal practice, Marcela has dedicated 13 years to university teaching, conferences, and research in the field of intellectual property. Her dedication and academic excellence have led her to be recognized as a Senior Researcher by Colciencias.

- Doctor of Juridical Science, American University Washington College of Law, Washington D.C, United States.
- Master of Laws in International Legal Studies with specialization on International and Comparative Intellectual Property, American University Washington College of Law, Washington D.C, United States.
- Lawyer from Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Bogotá, graduating magna cum laude.

- Recognized by the Best Lawyers Colombia 2024 publication for the field of intellectual property.

- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- Colombian Copyright Center (CECOLDA)
- College of Commercial Lawyers

- Scholarship recipient to attend the WIPO-WTO Colloquium for Intellectual Property Professors, organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (2016).
- Google Policy Fellow (2013).
- Colfuturo Scholar (2011).
- Ninth place nationally in the SaberPro exams ( equvalent to Bar exam) (2010).
- Degree in Law magna cum laude (2011).
- Member of the "Rodrigo Noguera Laborde" Honors Group (2008).
- Scholarship for the best Law student (2008).
- Second place in the Moot Court Competition "Eduardo Jiménez de Aréchega" (2008).

Juan Ángel Palacio Hincapié

Founding Partner

Juan Ángel Palacio Hincapié, former Magistrate of the State Council (2008), is a prominent expert in administrative and public law, with a widely recognized professional trajectory. Following his tenure at the State Council and after a long career as a judge in the Republic of Colombia, Juan Ángel founded PALACIO & ABOGADOS ASESORES in October 2008, where he brings his vast experience in complex litigation and strategic legal advice.

His teaching and academic experience in areas such as administrative law, procedural law, public procurement, state liability, tax law, and public economics make him a reference in his field. In his professional practice, he has advised companies in bidding processes and has represented state and private entities in various legal disputes.

- Master's in Administrative Law from Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Specialist in Administrative and Public Law from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana de Medellín.
- Lawyer from Pontifical Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana de Medellín.

- Recognized by "Best Lawyers Colombia" publication for his trajectory in Arbitration since 2021.
- Recognized by "Best Lawyers Colombia" publication for his trajectory in administrative law since 2022.
- Bolivarian Talent in the Social Field. Bolivarian University. Medellín, 2007.
- Order of the Whip. Illustrious Citizen. Ciudad Ixtapán de la SaL. Mexico, 2005.
- Executive of the Year 2004.
- Guest of Honor. Santiago de Cali University. July 2001.

- Public Procurement by State Entities, Juridical Bookstore Sánchez: Medellín, 2020.
- Administrative Procedural Law, Juridical Bookstore Sánchez: Medellín, 2021.

Socio

Juan Ángel Palacio Hincapié

Socio Fundador

Ex Magistrado del Consejo de Estado (2008). Candidato a Doctor en Derecho de la Universidad Sergio Arboleda. Magíster en Derecho Administrativo de la misma Universidad; especializado en Derecho Administrativo y Público de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana de la Ciudad de Medellín; con amplia experiencia docente, académica y de la Magistratura en las áreas de Derecho Administrativo, procesal, contratación pública, responsabilidad del Estado, derecho tributario y público económico. Doctrinante especialmente en Derecho Administrativo con una producción de varios libros y artículos. Como miembro del area de Derecho Público Juan angel acompaña a empresas en procesos licitatorios y representa a entidades estatales y privadas en diversas controversias.

Solicitud de programación de consultas

Solicitud de programación de consultas

Juan Ángel Palacio Hincapié

Socio Fundador

Ex Magistrado del Consejo de Estado (2008), Juan Ángel Palacio Hincapié es un destacado experto en derecho administrativo y público, con una trayectoria profesional ampliamente reconocida. Luego de finalizar su periodo en el Consejo de Estado y tras una larga trayectoria como juez de la República de Colombia, Juan Ángel fundó a PALACIO & ABOGADOS ASESORES en octubre de 2008 donde aporta su vasta experiencia en litigios complejos y asesoramiento legal estratégico.

Su experiencia docente y académica en áreas como el derecho administrativo, procesal, contratación pública, responsabilidad del Estado, derecho tributario y público económico lo convierten en un referente en su campo. En su práctica profesional, ha asesorado a empresas en procesos licitatorios y ha representado a entidades estatales y privadas en diversas controversias legales.

- Magister en Derecho Administrativo de la Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Bogotá Colombia.
- Especialista en Derecho Administrativo y Público de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana de Medellín.
- Abogado de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana de Medellín.

- Reconocido por la publicación “Best Lawyers Colombia” por su trayectoria en Arbitraje desde el 2021.
- Reconocido por la publicación “Best Lawyers Colombia” por su trayectoria en derecho administrativo desde el 2022
- Talento Bolivariano En El Campo Social. Universidad Bolivariana. Medellín, 2007
- Orden de Zurriago. Ciudadano Ilustre. Ciudad Ixtapán de la SaL. México, 2005.
- Ejecutivo del Año 2.004 - Huésped de Honor. Universidad Santiago de Cali. Julio 2001

- La Contratación de las Entidades Estatales, Librería Jurídica Sánchez: Medellín, 2020
- Derecho Procesal Administrativo, Librería Jurídica Sánchez: Medellín, 2021.

Marcela Palacio Puerta

Socia

Marcela Palacio Puerta es abogada especializada en derecho de propiedad intelectual, con una destacada formación académica y una amplia experiencia en el campo legal. Marcela es Doctora en Derecho por la American University Washington College of Law, Washington DC, donde también obtuvo su Master (LL.M) en Estudios Legales Internacionales con especialización en Propiedad Intelectual Internacional y Comparada. Además, es Abogada graduada magna cum laude de la Universidad Sergio Arboleda.

Como Directora del área de práctica en derecho de propiedad intelectual en PALACIO & ABOGADOS ASESORES, Marcela asesora a artistas, autores, compañías, en el manejo de sus derechos de autor, marcas, enseñas comerciales, logos, patentes y demás activos intangibles. Su vasta experiencia en litigios en materia de propiedad intelectual la posiciona como una experta en resolver disputas legales complejas en este campo.

Además de su práctica legal, Marcela ha dedicado 13 años a la docencia universitaria, conferencias e investigación en el área de la propiedad intelectual. Su dedicación y excelencia académica la han llevado a ser reconocida como investigadora Senior de Colciencias.

- Doctora en jurisprudencia, American University Washington College of Law, Washington D.C, Estados Unidos.
- Master en Estudios legales internacionales con especialización en Propiedad intelectual internacional y comparada, American University Washington College of Law, Washington D.C , Estados Unidos.
- Abogada de la Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Bogotá, grado magna cum laude.

- Reconocida por la Publicación Best Lawyers Colombia 2024 para el área de propiedad intelectual.

- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- Centro Colombiano de Derecho de Autor (CECOLDA)
-Colegio de Abogados Comercialistas

- Beca para atender el WIPO-WTO Colloquium for Intellectual Property Professors, de la Organización Mundial de la Propiedad Intelectual (2016).
- Becaria de "Google Policy Fellow" (2013).
- Becaria Colfuturo (2011).
- Noveno puesto a nivel nacional en pruebas SaberPro (2010).
- Grado en derecho "magna cum laude" (2011).
- Miembro del grupo de honores "Rodrigo Noguera Laborde" (2008).
- Beca al mejor estudiante de Derecho (2008).
- Segundo puesto en el Moot Court Competition "Eduardo Jiménez de Aréchega" (2008).

Juan Luis Palacio Puerta

Socio

Juan Luis Palacio Puerta es abogado especializado en Derecho Comercial y Financiero, graduado con honores de la Universidad Sergio Arboleda en Bogotá, Colombia. Con más de 10 años de experiencia en litigios de alta complejidad, Juan Luis ha demostrado su capacidad para representar con éxito a empresas y particulares en una amplia gama de controversias legales.

Como director del área de litigios en PALACIO & ABOGADOS ASESORES, Juan Luis ha liderado equipos legales en la representación de empresas de diversos sectores, incluyendo el financiero, de salud, construcción, telecomunicaciones e industrias creativas. Ha manejado asuntos complejos tanto en jurisdicción ordinaria como arbitral, demostrando su habilidad para enfrentar desafíos legales con determinación y profesionalismo. Adicionalmente cuenta con experiencia asesorando empresas en asuntos corporativos.

Su participación como secretario para Tribunales de Arbitramento de la Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá y como árbitro en la Cámara de Comercio de Cali y Medellín refleja su compromiso con la resolución justa y equitativa de conflictos.

- Especialista en derecho comercial y financiero, Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Bogotá.
- Abogado de la Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Bogotá, grado Summa cum Laude.

- Reconocido por la Publicación Best Lawyers Colombia en 2022, 2023 y 2024 para el área de Corporativo.

- Colegio de Abogados Comercialistas
- International Trademark Association (INTA)

- Grado en Derecho Summa cum Laude en 2014.
- Miembro del Grupo de Honores "Rodrigo Noguera Laborde" en 2011.
- Ganador de la Beca al "Mérito Académico" en 2011.
- Mención especial como "Orador" en la V Competencia Internacional de Arbitraje Comercial de American University en 2012.
- Miembro del Semillero de Talentos de COLFUTURO.
- Reconocido como uno de los mejores resultados en las Pruebas Icfes Saber Pro en 2013.