What is the ruling on selling or renting out a planned idea, and taking money for it after its success?
It is permissible to sell a project idea that has been studied and planned, or one that comes with a feasibility study, because contemporary custom has ascribed significant financial value to it. It is also permissible to undertake such a study for a fee. This is supported by the resolution of the Islamic Fiqh Academy, which states that trade names, trademarks, copyrights, and inventions are private rights of their owners, have financial value, and may be disposed of for financial compensation. Thus, the sale here is not merely of an idea, but of a studied idea that has a permissible and recognized benefit. It is stipulated that the sold item must be a commodity with financial value. As for leasing a project idea, it is inconceivable, because the lessee could continue with the project indefinitely, meaning they would have, in reality, purchased the idea.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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