I want to create a series of courses in my City and then franchise -- how do I make sure others don't copy?

Question

And likewise, where do I check to make sure I am not duplicating something another provider has already created / protected?

Also, is there a way to copyright / patent (notsure what the right term is), but protect your idea if it consists of a novel way to offer classes and then the actual course content / curriculum?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

thats the rub...

You have basic, although somewhat vulnerable, copyright by merely including a copyright statement.

example

Copyright © 2006 --- My Product Productions Inc. --- All Rights Reserved Worldwide

You can also register the copyright for a hefty Fee.

If what you are doing is good some WILL steal it, regardless.

If your project sucks then they won't...

Answer 2

You could trademark and copyright. Here's the differences:

Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This includes, of course, poetry, films, sculptures, music, fiction, etc. But can also include things that may not necessarily seem "artistic" in the general sense of the word. Copyrights can also be obtained for advertising copy, games, software programs and blueprints, to name just a few.

So, in your case, you may be able to apply for a copyright for any printed work (e.g. reports, speeches, textbooks, single pages of text).

Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:

"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."

Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry.

Of course, it's necessary to research the mark comprehensively prior to filing to ensure that there is no possibility of infringing upon another party.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

I think you need to do a LOT more research about starting a business.