I'm seeing this thread after many years and wondering where I have been all these while. My reply may help someone still.

Ideas can be copyrighted if well documented into a process. I speak as one who have a handful of copyrighted ideas here in Nigeria. My first idea was copyrighted back in 2007. When structured into the right document, approach the Nigerian Copyrights Commission (NCC) and file for copyright. Fee is N10,000 (used to be N5,000) then. You do not need an attorney for this. For trademarks, see Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

To sell ideas to companies is somewhat trickier. Nigerian companies think upside down. But be sure to complete the above process first. Start here by putting up a business proposal (better if it's like a brochure) or pitch deck. I innovated a protection strategy called NDAs in Cover Letters and can help you even if your idea is not protected.

Try to get the MD's email and send a catchy one pager proposal to him/her. If he likes it, you get a call/email. Alternatively, talk to a high-ranking staff in the establishment (this too is pitching and you must learn how to do it right). If they catch your vision, they will push forward.

You can try a recommendation from your uncle who is someone with pedigree (I no mean local government chairman or counsellor o). One call from him to them gets it done. Alternatively, get a promoter and agree terms with them (could be individual or company but better with company abeg).

If all the above aren't at your reach, then you will have to push it yourself. Just address the letter to the right department. People think it is always to the Marketing Manager. Yes, it could be the External Communication Director, Public Relations, etc. Make sure to find out who to address the proposal to. Give one month space and start followup aggressively. Be sure you have a cover letter acknowledged and kept, it could save you.

Like one user stated, the best bet is to build a product or service from the idea and sell the product or service. Sometimes it's easier if you know what to do. All issues raised in this thread are things I have encountered and mastered and I consult for others.

You can contact me on any of the above concern through spegispecial@yahoo.com. Only serious persons please. Remember I no be fada kirisimas.

Hi Tony,

I just wanted to lend some words on your request and hope it will help.

Firstly, realize that a lawyer is not the right person to advice you on financial or investment matters. He is to help you translate into writing what you have finalized on the issue. I will recommend you talk to a broker or investor.

Secondly, there are no such thing as sharing profits. Technically, you share holdings in the entity. So, concentrate on the percentage of holding in the company. To know how do this will require longer scripting. Let me also assume you are a shareholding director in the incorporated company.

Thirdly, realize also that all resources are important to the actualization of a business and partnership. Intellectual resource is as important as financial resource and should not be under-priced.

Lastly, the information you have provided are not enough for even the best Harvard proffessor to advice you on. So, consider all opinions on this forum ad tips. To reach a sound decision, more info will be required like company valuation, future plans to raise capital, other proposed shareholders, etc. Except you want to run an Emeka and Sons Coy without corporate values.

To wrap up, please, make a decision on shareholding on -who originally founded the business idea (has upper hand)
-If ur boss will continously fund the biz
-how much is his current commitment finacially
-ur convincing power, and other factors.

Typically, an investor will ask for 6-15% equity for giving anything $5,000 to $100,000. A lower staker in partnersip will ask for 20% -50%. On your particular situation as you explained, you should go for a 60:40 ratio (You:Boss). I have reasons why and can share with you personally.

I write as a professional and a founder of two companies who have pass through that phase. If you may want additional opinion on this, you may contact me on 08062603114. I am really tired typing.