Law-Forums.org

[mads]

For instance - if I was to write a poem, once I have wrote it, it is legally copyrighted under Intellectual Property Laws even before I register it for copyright protection. Does the same go for book PLOTS?

I said plots - not a full written book or novel. I have a few half decent books plots up my sleeve but was wondering if my idea's are protected under intellectual property and if not - may I register an 'idea' for copyright protection or do I have to write a full blown book first before I can do any form of copyright protection on it?

[bocley]

I think that plots are really not intellectual property as you may have stumbled on the same one as I did, we may both be plotting it out, and the first one to publish may have some rights but I would wager your plot and mine would differ a lot in the reading and it is like two poems may have the same plot but they are to distinctly different poems. So if you are in doubt and feel someone will steal your idea, then keep it under your hat so to speak!

[reid]

A book is copyrighted as soon as you write it. "Ideas" and "plots" are not copyrightable, nor should they be. At the base of all novels, you've really only got (depending on who you talk to) between three and seven basic plots running around in there. It's all in how you mix, match, and move stuff around.

[adusa37]

Also, titles may not be copyrighted, but brand names are under copyright and may not be used by anyone else. In Israel, a restaurant named "MacDavid's" was opened and MacDonald's sued them. I never learned the outcome of the suit.

[barnett]

Ideas cannot be copyrighted.

And, honestly, "once I have wrote it", "idea's" - do you seriously think anyone is going to want to steal your writing?