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§ 59.1-502.16 Idea or information submission

a. The following rules apply to a submission of an idea or information for the creation, development, or enhancement of computer information which is not made pursuant to an existing agreement requiring the submission:

1. A contract is not formed and is not implied from the mere receipt of an unsolicited submission.

2. Engaging in a business, trade, or industry that by custom or practice regularly acquires ideas is not in itself an express or implied solicitation of the information.

3. If the recipient seasonably notifies the person making the submission that the recipient maintains a procedure to receive and review submissions, a contract is formed only if:

A. the submission is made and accepted pursuant to that procedure; or

B. the recipient expressly agrees to terms concerning the submission.

b. An agreement to disclose an idea creates a contract enforceable against the receiving party only if the idea as disclosed is confidential, concrete, and novel to the business, trade, or industry or the party receiving the disclosure otherwise expressly agreed.

History

This law was first created in 2000. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 101 and 996 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.

2000, cc. 101, 996.

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