Copyright law protects the expression not the idea.

Many writers worry about “idea theft,” using it as the reason they don’t tell people about their projects, won’t publicaly post their loglines, or won’t apply for contests and fellowships. But the fact is, copyright law only protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself. Lots of films and television shows have similar concepts.

But what do you do if you believe your actual script or deck, or other materials were stolen? I recently received a call from a prospective client with that very concern. Read more here.

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Published by David

I am a the founder of a boutique intellectual property law firm based in Chicago, Illinois. In my role as a trusted advisor, I act as the primary transactional attorney for my clients, reporting directly to a company’s executive staff and/or its General Counsel. I provide advice to business units and executives on copyright, trademark, ecommerce, software/IT, media & entertainment and issues associated with creating and commercializing innovations and creative content, drafting and negotiating contracts and licenses, advising on securities laws and corporate governance and managing outside counsel. My clients frequently rely on me to successfully draft and negotiate complex commercial and intellectual property transactions such as supply/distribution agreements, IP development and license agreements and documentation related to mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.