Searching any type of engine for your idea can be a double edged sword in that you get to find out if there is something similar on the market already (if you don’t find anything then good) but if on the other hand if you are so clear as to basically spell out your idea feature by feature then if you were to click through to that company/individual’s website in their analytical reports it could give them a chance to clue in on your idea/concept. For those who monitor their keywords/phrases to better their website search-ability this can be a boon and they send that info to their R&D to research a possible product that does what you were looking for. I want you to bear in mind that not every website does this but the ability is there. (I personally do this for my website every month)

For example if you were to search for “kids playhouse with built in dry erase walls” in Google you will see my Honey Bear Playhomes website first then if you were to click on one of the other playhouse company links on the page of results the webmaster of the other website could see your choice of words in their analytic report and say “Hey that’s a great idea let’s do that too“. Truth be told it simply is good business for them to do so as it helps their company. The same goes for your idea. The website that you click through to can take your keywords, fit the puzzle together and come up with a product that does exactly what you were searching for. Good for them but bad for you…

To reduce your chances of getting your idea taken I would use a work around:

1) Use the search engine of your choice
2) When you find a link (website) that you wish to check simply right click on the link and click “Copy link location”
3) Open a new tab or window
4) Right click in the address bar and click “Paste”
5) Click “Enter”

This will make it appear to their analytic program that you came to them without any referral and you won’t have to give your keywords/phrases to them. It’s simply the safe way to search for your idea on the web…