is it possible to copyright an idea/concept? what do i need to do...

heyyo · 13-10-2006, 03:22

i have purchased the domain name, but i wanted to copyright the concept, its a comedy television script/pod casting thing, is this possible to copyright or is too broad an area, and what would i need to do?

Scarlett · 13-10-2006, 08:33

IIRC if its a script and written down then you have copyright automatically.

As for the concept, its not possibly to the best of my knowledge, otherwise
a) Hollywood studios would have all possible concepts already* 'just in case'
b) Ad agencies would have to come up with original idea and not knock off each others ad's.
c) We wouldn't have all those quick knock off books when someone has an unexpected publishing success, - Bridget Jones diary anyone?

Id say go ahead and write it. If its good then you might well get some knock off's but they do say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Scarlett.

*apparently their are only 7 original plots in any case.;-)

grandmaster · 13-10-2006, 08:37

I thought (and i could be and usually i'm wrong) that you could seal your work and have the post office date and sign it.

A sort of poor mans patent if you will..

I could have course just made that up ..

hatedbythemail · 13-10-2006, 10:34

would have thought you would hold intellectual property rights if you can prove the idea/concept was originated by you. i think grandmaster is right. when my mates had a band they used to send demos to themselves by registered post to protect songs.