For Ideation Sites, Transparency Is Key

A groundswell of innovation has occurred around the use of social tools for the creation and improvement of consumer products. A number of large and influential companies have embraced the opportunity to engage directly with consumers through public online ideation sites. Understandably, this rapid change in the process of product innovation has corporate legal departments concerned about competitive and intellectual property issues and the increased exposure these sites might bring. Product strategists must be strong internal advocates for ideation sites by explaining to their corporate attorneys how their legal concerns can be overcome, while simultaneously delivering the message that ideation sites offer strong benefits to the company.