I have been using Google Docs lately for writing and ideation. I’ve written a few executive summaries, some business concepts, have been working on a book all using Google’s browser-based authoring environment. I have also used Google Spreadsheets do conduct some financial projections, model scenarios and track expenses.

Recently I contemplated sending an executive summary to an acquaintance that is a well-known venture capitalist. Of course I think its an amazing idea worth billions so before I hit send I’m starting to worry that the firm will just steal my idea. I don’t have an NDA or any legal documentation around the idea. What happen’s if the VC steals my fantastic idea?

My evidence would be as follows:

1. I have the Gmail record of sending the idea to the VC,
2. Since the VC has a Gmail accounts there is likely to be a record of the time and date the email was read
3. I have the Google docs showing the date the document was written and with a history of edits
4. I have the spreadsheets with rough financials

All of the evidence is time stamped in the Google database; I could not hack into and alter these records. This seems evidence seems to trump the ‘write-it-down-and-mail-it-to-yourself’ form of gorilla copyright protection.

What do you think – if the VC steals my idea will I have legal grounds?