Writers copyright
"An Idea is not copyrightable"
http://www.writing-world.com/rights/abra.shtml
"When should you register copyright?
One of the most common questions beginning writers have is, "How can I protect my idea and make sure that agents and publishers won't steal it if I send it to them?" Answer: You can't. An idea is not copyrightable. It's the specific execution of that idea that matters."
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I you have wrote it and it can be proved as the first name to write it then you are already covered by copyright laws - there no need to register it anywhere. It's not like a patent. Glyn
I have often thought that with the oodles of people thinking and writing about things, somewhere someone will be your writing doppleganger. It might be a one in millions chance but it could happen!
I often wonder how the saying "theres nothing new under the sun" applys to written ideas.In a sense all information is out there somewhere, the fact that you pen something original doesn't mean someone else has tapped into that same source. Who is the creator of the, The first to copyright it.?I don't think so.
Just a thought.
Cheers
True, but at least in the case of music, you can do some things. I have filed with the copyright office which is time consuming.... But I spoke to a lawyer once. He told me there is a general misunderstanding about copyright. First, as soon as a song is written, as long as it does not violate someone else's right, if IS copyrighted. When I write the score and the lyrics, pay $$$$ and send it in, all I have done is register the copyright. This will definitely help in court were it to go there.
Also, sending the information to yourself in a registered mail with time and date and leaving it unopened works. Also, just writing "copyright 2015 by Fred Schwenk," works, as does posting it online with a date stamp.
This is the reason major recording labels do not accept unsolicited music submissions.... They return it unopened by certified mail. This keeps a little guy suing one of their artists for millions...
Bottom line is would that any of us has such a good idea that is worth a big corporate agency not opening it!
Anyway, I am sure that the same thoughts would apply for intellectual property (ideas). Not being an attorney, I can't say for sure but it makes sense to me. Sort of.
BDF
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Sad but true!