Can I copyright an idea?

No, you cannot copyright an idea in North Carolina. Copyright law protects original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible form of expression, meaning that the work must be written down, recorded, or otherwise expressed. Ideas themselves are not protected by copyright law. Copyright protection only applies to the expression of the idea, such as the book, song, photograph, or artwork. While copyright does not protect ideas, you may be able to obtain some form of protection for the idea through other laws, such as through the use of a nondisclosure agreement or a patent. A nondisclosure agreement is a contract between two parties that provides protection for confidential information shared between them. A patent is a grant of intellectual property rights, usually issued by a government authority, that gives inventors exclusive rights to an invention for a certain amount of time. When it comes to copyright law in North Carolina, ideas are not protected. However, certain forms of protection may be available to help protect an idea depending on the circumstances. Therefore, it is important to speak to an attorney to better understand your options.

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