how do i get an Internet based idea copyrighted cheaply.?

Question

I have an idea of an online buisness and would like to be able to copyright the idea, where or how can i do this , or do you know of any reputable firms i can contact

Answer 1

It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea.

That being said, you may be able to trademark your name, logo, slogan, etc. Also, the content of your web site may be able to filed for a copyright. But not the "idea" itself. I'll give you info on both.

To protect a business name within your industry, you would apply for a trademark.

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.

This entails searching the pending & registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark.

To register a trademark, that's done either through your Secretary of State for a State trademark or the US Patent & Trademark Office for a Federal trademark.

If you are only conducting business in one state, then a State trademark is most appropriate. If you conduct (OR are planning to conduct) business in at least 2 states OR between the US & any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.

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.

You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 3 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.

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."

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

Answer 2

First you can't copyright and "Idea" even if you were the first to think about it. You can only register "things" created by you and fixed in a tangible form.

100 people can have the same idea for a love book but every book will be different and will have his own copyright. Even if I was the first to think about a love book I can't own the idea of a love book, I can only have the copyright for the book I made.

This is from the U.S. Copyright Office web page.

What does copyright protect?
Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, IDEAS, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section "What Works Are Protected."

Second you don't need a firm to copyright anything, the steps are simple and cheap. And if you need help you can call them to ask what kind of form you should need.

Now as said before you can't copyright and "idea" but you can register a Trade Mark or a Patent if is applicable. Since we don't know exactly what's is your "idea" is hard to tell if you are just using the wrong termn and if it can be granted some kind of protection to it or what kind is needed.

Answer 3

That is going to be horrendeously difficult. With the billions of web sites already launched it is very unlikley that there are any original ideas out there. Even if you copyright part of the idea - someone will copy it if it is a good idea.

Your products you can copyright.

My advice would be to use your budget to get a great lauch that gives you "first to the market" advantage.

Answer 4

Write down a detailed proposal for the website, including anything contentious. Then post it as a letter to yourself. Do not open it. In the event that your idea is copied or you are ripped off, start legal proceedings. The post mark on the unopened envelope can be verified by both solicitors proving the providence of the idea.

Answer 5

It's best to research first to know more about copyrights, trademarks, etc. Here is a site with various information that may help: http://www.orebit.com

Answer 6

Ideas can NOT be copyrighted...or protected.

Anyone can make a vacuum cleaner...the idea is not protected, only the specific design.

You can make your own YouTube...the IDEA is not protected, only the specific instance of what you mean which means it's not worth protecting.

(and yes, I am saying most patents are worthless...they can't be defended and the cost is prohibitive.)