i need help about copyright?

Question

If you have an idea of some product, how do you get copyright? Do you have to make the actual product before you can get copyright? or can you get a copyright just for your idea?

Answer 1

First, there is a difference between a copyright and a patent. You get a copyright on art works, which includes anything written or broadcast on TV. You get a patent on a "process" or a machine.

It sounds like you should be seeking a patent, which is much harder than a copyright. You are supposed to have a working model of your machine, but nowadays that is not done very often. However, you have to have a very detailed description of the process or the plans for the machine before you can get a patent.

In addition it is usually best to use an attorney to file for a patent. However, you can do it yourself. Here is a link to the U.S. Patent Office.

http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/howtopat.htm

Answer 2

Log on to www.copyright.gov/. Copyrights and patents are two separate entities. A copyright is granted for literary works, to include film, screen plays, and novels.

Products of invention would be under the patent rules. Ideas aren't usually copyrightable, but am unsure about patents.

Check the website for more details.

Answer 3

You can't copyright an idea. You can however get a patent once the product is created. Copyrights protect things such as books, songs etc.

Answer 4

Copyright does not apply...You're probably looking for a patent.
Copyright protects the expression not the idea.

You don't have to actual make the product before you patent it (see Bell's patent for the telephone) but it's probably damn hard.

Answer 5

You can have an idea patented.
Call 1-800-777-idea

I think that's the number, but you might want to look it up.
Im serious, thats about the only thing i can think of, otherwise, look up a local facility where getting a patent is easier, and they dont steal any credit for it.