What about patents, and trademarks? What is the minimum I would need, electronically, to show I had the idea, or the document before anyone else? Afterall, some things could come down to proving days or hours in a competetive field, such as software development.
2007-11-02 13:12:10 · 5 answers · asked by spencer 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Once you have created a document the copyright of the article belongs to you only if it is of your own efforts and not someone else's work. Printing a copy and mailing it certified to you is a good idea. The only time that a formal copyright registration is necessary, but is highly recommended, is if there is a court battle over the information. Registered copyrights have more weight in a court of law. As long as you did not steal or use other individuals information without their permission what you write is automatically yours under copyright laws.
2007-11-02 15:39:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as you did not copy someone else stuff, you can always get a copyright.
A copyright means that you have the RIGHT to prevent others from COPYING your material without a license. But, if two people develop a song or a story or software independently, they both can copyright it because the second creator is not copying the first. (However, if you use identical language or code, it becomes obvious pretty quick that the second creation was not independently derived).
Patent and trademark are more complicated. Patents it is generally the first discoverer, but there are some other rules that can change things.
To get trademark protection, you need to show that you were the first to use the mark and that your use has caused the public to identify the mark with your enterprise. (Again, there are some exceptions to this general rule)
2007-11-04 10:30:59 · answer #2 · answered by Frst Grade Rocks! Ω 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your lawyer. Intellectual property is a very sensitive area and there a lawyers who specialize in this. If you are serious about being positive that the story remains yours, don't email it. Take a paper copy and discuss your options with an atty.
2007-11-02 13:38:02 · answer #3 · answered by StressedLawStudent 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like the first poster said, get a copyright. Meanwhile, make a copy, and mail it certified mail to yourself as an additional back up.
2007-11-02 13:18:52 · answer #4 · answered by Namtrac 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
File a copyright with the Feds.
Guidelines at copyright.gov
2007-11-02 13:16:56 · answer #5 · answered by nicolemcg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋