[SigmundA]

Where did I pretend there is no difference?

If in my example the company chooses not to implement the idea, I still deserve credit for the idea correct, not someone else?

Perhaps I would not receive a promotion because it was never implemented and proven to be beneficial to the company, but that does not make stealing an idea ethically fine does it, just because it was not utilized?

Not bothering to explain is just a cop out.

[stonemetal]

In IP it's essentially about someone lying to society about the source of the idea.

Right here. If I print a copy of Lord of the Rings and sell it, and there is no difference between my copy and the official copy. Then there has been no lying to society Tolkien's name is written on the cover an attributed as the author. Full credit for the idea has been given. In your example full credit for authorship was not given.