Don't bother notifying them. (I've been in this situation may times). If the idea remains small and the startup/project has limited success, they are not going

Don't bother notifying them. (I've been in this situation may times). If the idea remains small and the startup/project has limited success, they are not going to come after you. If the idea is good, you start a company and eventually get successful, they might come after you. In that case, you have one extra little thing to worry about.