i have a great idea fora children's program. what can i do to copyright that idea.?

Answer 1

You cannot protect ideas; however, you may be able to protect the representation of your idea. Here's some information on the 3 branches of intellectual property. After reading, you'll have a better idea of where to go from here.

To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here's the USPTO's definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

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.

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 2

Your question leaves open debate whether you mean program as in software or program as in theatrics. Software might be a little easier to clarify as protected by law. Intellectual property as in a storyline will take some research.

In short, anything you demonstrate to the public should have

Copyright (c) 2006
by YourName
All Rights Reserved

You have some time, but not a lot of time, to make the copyright official.

research for free forms and info at the link...

Answer 3

Copyright is secured automatically when the work is created, and a work is “created” when it is fixed in a copy or phonorecord for the first time. You give notice of your rights by using the following:

Example: © 2006 John Doe

If your work is copied without permission and your rights are infringed then an Intellectual Property Attorney can help you.
Go to this link: U.S. Copyright Office http://www.copyright.gov/


If you have a unique design/mark or logo that you will use to advertise/market your program you might consider obtaining a Trademark that will be unique to your program/product/service. http://www.uspto.gov/

If your idea is an item, software, technology or product, you might consider a patent.

Answer 4

As other people have mentioned, ideas themselves cannot be protected, but the expression of the idea can be. I write screenplays, and before the story is done I get it down on paper in as much detail as I can - this doesn't technically create a copyright as the screenplay is not fully formed, but the 10 pages or so I write are detailed enough for it to be obvious if it is copied. Also whilst I am writing I register with an agency such as http://www.ideasecure.co.uk who will confirm they had that document on a certain date in case of litigation. Posting it to yourself never works!

Best of luck

Brianna

Answer 5

Copyright, for the last couple of decades, is automatic. If you produce anything based on the idea, it's copyrighted, even if you don't publish it, even if you don't put a copyright symbol.

However, ideas can't be copyrighted. Only your actual show / story can be copyrighted.

Answer 6

contact and pay a copyright attourney , also consider the need for intellectual property as well, no it is not just autonatically implied. how many other's have same or similar idea's, and you are left with the burden of proof and ownership.