Idea Protection. Patent vs. Copyright?

Question

I seek your advice and expertise in regards to a subject matter that I know very little about; protecting an idea. I have conceptually revolutionized an aspect of marketing for a particular televised sporting event. It is with high hopes that I can transform this vision into a reality. I cannot further allude to what I have thought of and, for this reason, would like to protect my idea. (In a sense own the rights to it.) Perhaps a copyright or a patent is in order? While I could not tell you the difference between the two, I am certain there does exist a strong dividing line. Which would be most appropriate in this instance and how should I proceed to protect this notion of mine?

Furthermore, once I have rightfully obtained ownership of this concept/ marketing strategy, how might I go about selling it? Obviously it would be necessary to establish contact and ultimately a relationship with the firm, but what approach should one take?

Answer 1

There is a very large difference between a copyright and a patent. A copyright protects a piece of creative work (logo, article, book, etc.), but it does not protect the idea that is held within this creative cover, it only protects the actual written or visual representation as it exists (changing the word selection and typeface, etc is enough to work around a copyright). A patent protects the idea and prevents others from legally using it while the patent is in effect (also where, a US patent does not protect the idea elsewhere).

You would obviously want the patent if it is possible to patent your idea (check the US patent office on patentability at http://uspto.gov).

Even if the idea is not patentable does not mean that you can make money with it, but it makes it much more difficult.

If the idea is successfully patented with the proper claims it will be possible to openly approach your target with your idea, otherwise a significant amount of your work will be protecting the idea from being used without compensation. It should still be possible for you to achieve your goal, but a certain amount of trust will have to go both ways in any negotiations if the idea is not patentable.

Hopefully this helps.

Answer 2

Generally, ideas and knowledge cannot be copyrighted. Your live program you can copyright and also any later videos that you might produce from it. As to concept, that is hard. Allen Funt was able to protect his idea for the "hidden camera" show to a small extent based on a copyrighted script.

Answer 3

You question sounds like one of those scam letters from Africa..