Can you copyright your idea?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by Ratman2050, Jun 9, 2007.

  1. #1
    Perhaps I created a new idea in the freebies section or trade forum.

    If I have a good idea that is new and nobody has used it and it is a good marketing strategy, do I have the right to add, "Copyright to Ratman2050 please do not take this idea without my permission" under my thread?

    Just wondering because in another website twice I started a trend and once had a copyright so nobody would well, you know, copy me. Sounds weird but it's true :rolleyes:
     
    Ratman2050, Jun 9, 2007 IP
    arpitagarwal82 likes this.
  2. Gnet

    Gnet Peon

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    #2
    Thats by far the dumbest thing ive ever heard.
     
    Gnet, Jun 9, 2007 IP
  3. Cesay

    Cesay Peon

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    #3
    Original text on your site is copyright protected regardless of whether you let anyone know with the little © symbols. You can't copyright strategies or processes, but you can patent some, like Amazon's patented 1-click purchasing process. Patents are expensive and take a while to obtain though so you'd have to be very serious about your idea if you really want some legal protection for it. I have no idea if you can patent a strategy though. Maybe you should ask one of the IP gurus in the copyright forum.
     
    Cesay, Jun 9, 2007 IP
  4. DavidF9

    DavidF9 Well-Known Member

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    #4
    Can't copyright an idea, but you can patent it - which is gonna cost you :)
     
    DavidF9, Jun 9, 2007 IP
  5. jakomo

    jakomo Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Hello,
    You can not copyright an idea, you can patent something, or you can copyright text, content, websites, etc.

    If you tell your idea in the street, someone can do it without problem. Try to go ahead with your project :)
     
    jakomo, Jun 9, 2007 IP
  6. DavidF9

    DavidF9 Well-Known Member

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    #6
    Yeah thats right - you have to actually have something concrete that you can copyright. Ideas don't count under copyright.
     
    DavidF9, Jun 9, 2007 IP
  7. Ratman2050

    Ratman2050 Well-Known Member

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    #7
    Haha, just because you have never heard of it doesn't mean it's dumb, just means I am a unique genius.


    What do you mean by Try to go ahead with your project?
     
    Ratman2050, Jun 9, 2007 IP
  8. Gnet

    Gnet Peon

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    #8

    actually that means this is the dumbest thing ever brought up on this board.
     
    Gnet, Jun 9, 2007 IP
  9. Ratman2050

    Ratman2050 Well-Known Member

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    #9
    Ok seems I have received an infraction for this thread, I think the mods misinterpreted. This is not about legal issues its just so no one starts the similar thread like me in the freebies section, I think it belongs in the Suggestions/Feedback because it is a question on the forum.
     
    Ratman2050, Jun 9, 2007 IP
  10. AstarothSolutions

    AstarothSolutions Peon

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    #10
    You have no need to add the copyright sign as anything you say is automatically copyrighted as the creator unless you have waived your rights to the copyright.

    This however only protects the words and not the message so if someone thinks of a different way of saying the same thing they can. A patent as already pointed out is the way to protect the idea itself.

    You would need to read the terms and conditions of the site. Many forum type sites automatically have ownership of everything posted on them as you agree to this when you click "i agree" to the T&Cs you dont read and therefore claiming copyright yourself would be a misrepresentation.
     
    AstarothSolutions, Jun 9, 2007 IP
  11. rochow

    rochow Notable Member

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    #11
    You patent ideas.

    However ...
    - Idea has to be pretty original
    or
    - Has to be a big improvement on an old idea

    Have a look at your countries patent laws and find out how much it costs. If it's worth your while, then go for it.
     
    rochow, Jun 9, 2007 IP
  12. The Webmaster

    The Webmaster IdeasOfOne

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    #12
    If your Idea is unique, specific and documented, you can apply of IP copyright. but its hard to obtain copyright for a generalized Idea.. it would be easier if you develop a technology based on your idea and copyright the technology... however you cant have copyright on the implementation of the Idea...
     
    The Webmaster, Jun 10, 2007 IP
  13. Ratman2050

    Ratman2050 Well-Known Member

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    #13
    Ok thanks, but I think you guys are misunderstood, a mod can close this.
     
    Ratman2050, Jun 10, 2007 IP
  14. The Webmaster

    The Webmaster IdeasOfOne

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    #14
    I understand what you are saying.. but unless you obtain a proper copyright of your IP (Intellectual Property..not Internet Protocol) a mere notice in your thread or post will not help you much.

    If someone copies your idea, that is not going to help you much..
     
    The Webmaster, Jun 10, 2007 IP