Poor Man's Copywrite, can it protect me?

Question

I have developed journal that has a very specific style and name - I mailed it to myself.
Would someone be able to copy my "style"?
Does owning the .com website with that name help me?

Answer 1

Anyone can copy your style. Whether or not they studied yours and stole it is up to you to prove. You are not so unique that you cannot be copied if someone digs your style. Don't worry about it. And yes, commonlaw copyright covers you in terms of determining a date of creation. After that it is always up to the author to file a lawsuit and have it litigated. May or may not be worth it.

Answer 2

it can help only a little- the Library of Congress can get you copyrighted pretty cheap, too.

plus your copy (the work you have on paper) it's a "Right" you have to protect it -

When you spelled it with a 'W" as in "write" thats something else reffering to the profession of actually writing things like advertising copy-

you need (spelled this way) "copyright" protection

A 'common law' copyright you simply put the "c" in a circle with the year by it, or Write the word "copyright 2006" Jane Doe (y'know -Real name) and technically it's your property - so long as you haven't inadvertantly stolen an idea from someone else

I write music and use common law copyright a lot because unless i'm going to press a studio album project, then i would send in a copy after getting the correct form from the Library of Congress -

look 'em up - figure out which form you'll need

Answer 3

I believe the content can be copyrighted, but not the title or the "style." It's a very simple process. I'm sure if you googled the Library of Congress, you could find the site and even download the form. Last time I did it, which was a long time ago, it was ten dollars. ($10). It might be more now. The site would give you the procedure for copyrighting things on the Internet.

Answer 4

Poor man copyright helps build a case to your favor that you were using the ideas first, but they are not sure-proof.

Most people who would challenge you on using your ideas without your permission are likely banking on you not having the ability to adequately represent yourself in a court of law, regardless of if you are actually right or wrong.

After a two year battle in the courts, I have learned you are only as right as your representation. Which makes it tough if you are right, but can't afford to pay for a good lawyer.

Copyright protection is a simple matter, and you can register for it online as directed by the last posting. But keep in mind, the copyright laws are a set of deterrents - the more deterrents you can set up to protect your ideas, the better you can dissuade someone choosing to use them without authorization.

Answer 5

The poor man's copyright can be torn apart in court. just register with the library of congress