Need help with copyright?

Question

I have a great idea that I think will sell, but I have no idea how to get a copyright. What do I need to do to get one? Do you have to pay for it? Any info will help.

Answer 1

You can apply for a provisional patent with just the idea. It does cost (explains on the websites, links below) if you have a working model you can apply for a regular patent or copyright, but I think this is more expensive & we don't always have a working model. I will be starting this process myself soon, so I can't give you actual experienced help, but I can tell you I searched for years & finally heard about the provisional patent (someone saw it featured on Dr Phil I think.) There's also the "poor man's" copyright, if you absolutely can't afford an official one, you can write the idea down in detail (or a song or book or whatever) & then seal it & mail it to yourself. You'll have the date stamped on the envelope, just don't open it. It's not full proof but it's something. Hope it works for you.