Copyright

[sire]

I have devised a game which I am looking to sell to a television production company or direct to one of the television stations. How can I go about safeguarding my idea so that it is not used or copied by anyone else? Does this come under the copyright rules?

[NazNomad]

The simple answer is no, an idea in itself cannot be protected. The Chambers 21st Century Dictionary defines an idea "a thought, image, notion or concept formed by the mind" so by its very definition an idea is a totally intangible thing. In order for there to be any protection of an idea, it must first make the idea exist in some tangible way. In the case of copyright law, it is the work that realises the idea that is protected (i.e. a document), and it is the act of recording that work that fixes copyright in the item itself.

...from http://www.lawdit.co....t-Protect-My-Idea.htm

[sire]

I have all ready put my thoughts down on paper which is what would be presented to any prospective buyer. Is it enough to simply put Copyright Joe Bloggs at the bottom of each sheet?

[NazNomad]

Not sure.

I'd put a copy of everything in a big envelope and post it to yourself. leave it unopened with the post-mark intact as proof that you had x idea on x date in case someone else thinks of it.

[squarebear]

This so called "poor man's copyright" has no weight in a court of law.

[bednobs]

no, you need to speak to an intellectual property attourney
I know a very reasonable one - check them out on facebook under innovate ip (she really is very friendly and reasonable) Or check out their website

[joko]

the problem is, you might not be the only one to think of it...it kind of happened to me whilst working at the BBC...but they then claimed that they'd already planned it beforehand...and theres no way to prove otherwise...