Can I be liable for using a fake identity to ask about the business model of our competition?

From a legal standpoint: an NDA is an agreement - something contractual, and therefore is not limited (by law) to any specific jurisdiction. So, you can select Delaware or California, or India for that matter. From the business aspect, the best jurisdiction to select would depend on: 1. Jurisdictions that are known to be 'friendly' to your type of business. 2. Jurisdictions in which your lawyer is licensed to practice / the cost of lawyers isn't too expensive. 3. Somewhere not to far from where you are physically located - in case you actually have to go to court. Lastly, best to add a required arbitration or mediation clause if you don't have one. Good luck

I do not believe you should incorporate your company yet as there is a chance you will scrap the idea or iterate on the assumptions after analysis. I suggest you run your initial testing on a very minimal MVP to see if there is interest. I would go further in saying that you should not even allow people to pay only have them click on the payment option because at that point you know that it would be a conversion. The ONLY thing you are proving with an MVP is validation of an idea. Only make the mousetrap front end and see if you can drive users to where you want and stop. Even if you frustrate some people, it was worth it as you now know for sure people will buy or do what it is you wanted. Schedule a call with me to find out more. God knows I have done this enough times. Good luck Josh

Non-disclosure agreements are very common. Know that a non-disclosure agreement goes both ways as well. A contract agreement should also protects you from the other party disclosing any trade secrets or know-hows that they may learn from working with you.

On paper you have the advantage but after several startups control resides in he who knows how to execute the vision of the company.

You should retain a lawyer, or another qualified individual, to act as the third party designee for the corporation (if you do not have a partner or co-owner who is a US citizen). The designee should prepare Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) and Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) for the corporation’s president to sign and return.