Trademark will NOT help: trademark protects a name, a logo, a symbol, etc. which identifies the source of goods or services--it does not protect ideas.You can protect yourself by having anyone you may work with sign a confidentiality agreement *before* you tell them *anything*. The agreement should state that you are disclosing an idea and information to them solely for the purpose of a prospective business relationship; that they acknowledge that the idea to be disclosed belongs to you; and that they may not use the idea or any other information for their own benefit or the benefit of any third parties. If you believe the idea is valuable, hire an attorney to draw up a strong confidentiality agreement for you.