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| Film Producer's E&O Insurance","tag_ids":[949708924],"topic_ids":[949708924],"campaign_name":null,"campaign_utm":null,"enable_google_amp_output_override":false,"featured_image":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/idea-copyright-shutterstock_1950564259-forweb600.jpg","featured_image_alt_text":"Can an idea be copyrighted?","head_html":"<!-- START - Generated by ClassySchema.org on Mon, 26 Sep 2022 14:39:35 GMT -->\n<script type=\"application/ld+json\">\n{\n\t\"@context\": \"https://schema.org\",\n\t\"@type\": \"VideoObject\",\n\t\"name\": \"Can an idea be copyrighted?\",\n\t\"description\": \"Get a quote for film producer's E&O insurance from Front Row: https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/en/sectors/e-o-insuranceNathaniel is a lawyer at Chandler Fog...\",\n\t\"thumbnailUrl\": \"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8p99ZK0EqH4/mqdefault.jpg\",\n\t\"duration\": \"PT1M41S\",\n\t\"contentUrl\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p99ZK0EqH4\",\n\t\"embedUrl\": \"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4\",\n\t\"uploadDate\": \"2022-09-20\",\n\t\"potentialAction\": {\n\t\t\"@type\": \"SeekToAction\",\n\t\t\"target\": \"https://youtu.be/8p99ZK0EqH4?t={seek_to_second_number}\",\n\t\t\"startOffset-input\": \"required name=seek_to_second_number\"\n\t}\n}\n</script>\n<!-- END - Generated by ClassySchema.org-->","link_rel_canonical_url":null,"meta_description":"That is always something to be mindful of: when people are working in collaboration together, while there is no ownership of ideas, it really comes down...","post_body":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><br>There is no copyright in ideas but there is copyright in specific expression of ideas.</p>\n<p>So, if you have an idea and you are able to express it in some sort of work that is defined in the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_Act_(Canada)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><em>Copyright Act</em></a> (Canada); <em>e.g.,</em> if you write it down, it’s a literary work; if you film it, it’s a cinematographic work; if you put it into a composition, it’s a musical work – then that is protected under the <em>Copyright Act</em> and you as the first owner/author are able to do whatever you wish with it and grant rights that you have to any other party.</p>\n<p>That is always something to be mindful of: when people are working in collaboration together, while there is no ownership of ideas, it really comes down to the specific expression of ideas. And then once you have that work created, you have that full protection.</p>\n<p>People often ask me, “Well, what about registering the copyright with the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Intellectual_Property_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Canadian Intellectual Property Office</a> or the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Copyright_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">US Copyright Office</a>?” I always advise: that’s never a bad idea to go and register your copyright because that will come up when other people do searches and it puts a time and date stamp on that work and lets the world know that this is yours. However, by no means is it a requirement for you to have protection under the <em>Copyright Act</em>.</p>\n<p><em><strong>Nathaniel Lyman</strong> is a lawyer at Chandler Fogden Aldous Law Corporation in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he provides legal services exclusively in the areas of film and television. His clients include production companies, individual producers, animation studios, writers, directors, performers, and others in the creative fields. He was admitted to the British Columbia bar in 2013 after graduating from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia.</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><em>Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</em></strong> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">film producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\">What is incidental inclusion?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\"noopener\">How much of your production's format is copyrightable?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/avatar-producer-recieves-credit-where-credit-is-earned-thanks-to-eo-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">Avatar Producer Receives Credit Where Credit Is Earned</a></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">YouTube</span>: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbignxDvR02SQGI5zBx_rQ0hB\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) - Nathaniel Lyman</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Chandler Fogden Aldous is a leading entertainment law firm based in Vancouver, BC. They have extensive legal and business experience in the areas of film, television, digital media, and music. </em><em><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\">http://www.cfalaw.ca/</a><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\"></a></em></p>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</em></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><em>DISCLAIMER</em></strong><em>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</em></p></span>\n","publish_immediately":true,"use_featured_image":true,"layout_sections":{},"published_by_id":7915797,"published_at":1664205281757,"rss_body":"<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><br>There is no copyright in ideas but there is copyright in specific expression of ideas.</p>\n<p>So, if you have an idea and you are able to express it in some sort of work that is defined in the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_Act_(Canada)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><em>Copyright Act</em></a> (Canada); <em>e.g.,</em> if you write it down, it’s a literary work; if you film it, it’s a cinematographic work; if you put it into a composition, it’s a musical work – then that is protected under the <em>Copyright Act</em> and you as the first owner/author are able to do whatever you wish with it and grant rights that you have to any other party.</p>\n<p>That is always something to be mindful of: when people are working in collaboration together, while there is no ownership of ideas, it really comes down to the specific expression of ideas. And then once you have that work created, you have that full protection.</p>\n<p>People often ask me, “Well, what about registering the copyright with the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Intellectual_Property_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Canadian Intellectual Property Office</a> or the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Copyright_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">US Copyright Office</a>?” I always advise: that’s never a bad idea to go and register your copyright because that will come up when other people do searches and it puts a time and date stamp on that work and lets the world know that this is yours. However, by no means is it a requirement for you to have protection under the <em>Copyright Act</em>.</p>\n<p><em><strong>Nathaniel Lyman</strong> is a lawyer at Chandler Fogden Aldous Law Corporation in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he provides legal services exclusively in the areas of film and television. His clients include production companies, individual producers, animation studios, writers, directors, performers, and others in the creative fields. He was admitted to the British Columbia bar in 2013 after graduating from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia.</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><em>Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</em></strong> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">film producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\">What is incidental inclusion?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\"noopener\">How much of your production's format is copyrightable?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/avatar-producer-recieves-credit-where-credit-is-earned-thanks-to-eo-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">Avatar Producer Receives Credit Where Credit Is Earned</a></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">YouTube</span>: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbignxDvR02SQGI5zBx_rQ0hB\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) - Nathaniel Lyman</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Chandler Fogden Aldous is a leading entertainment law firm based in Vancouver, BC. They have extensive legal and business experience in the areas of film, television, digital media, and music. </em><em><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\">http://www.cfalaw.ca/</a><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\"></a></em></p>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</em></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><em>DISCLAIMER</em></strong><em>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</em></p>","rss_summary":"<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n","scheduled_update_date":0,"blog_publish_instant_email_task_uid":"DONE","blog_publish_to_social_media_task":"DONE","blog_post_schedule_task_uid":null,"header":null},"metaDescription":"That is always something to be mindful of: when people are working in collaboration together, while there is no ownership of ideas, it really comes down...","metaKeywords":null,"name":"<span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_name\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"text\" >Can an Idea be Copyrighted? | Film Producer's E&O Insurance</span>","nextPostFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/COVID/covid-film-insurance-shutterstock_1939056601-forweb600.jpg","nextPostFeaturedImageAltText":"Are there film insurance policies for COVID-19?","nextPostName":"Are there film insurance policies for 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<!-- End Schema --> \n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n window._mNHandle = window._mNHandle || {};\n window._mNHandle.queue = window._mNHandle.queue || [];\n medianet_versionId = \"3121199\";\n</script>\n<script src=\"https://contextual.media.net/dmedianet.js?cid=8CU76IWTZ\" async=\"async\"></script>","postsPerListingPage":10,"postsPerRssFeed":10,"publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"publicTitle":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","publishDateFormat":"medium","resolvedDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","rootUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","rssCustomFeed":"","rssDescription":"RSS feeds for ","rssItemFooter":"<IMG style=\"WIDTH: 144px; HEIGHT: 78px\" title=\"\" border=0 alt=\"\" align=center src=\"http://focusinsurance.web6.hubspot.com/Portals/61352/images//logo_final.jpg\" width=138 height=78 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Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"slug":"fr/blogue"}},"updated":1693318083280,"updatedDateTime":1693318083280,"urlBase":"www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","urlSegments":{},"useFeaturedImageInSummary":true,"usesDefaultTemplate":false,"weeklyNotificationEmailId":"952268106"},"password":null,"pastMabExperimentIds":[],"performableGuid":null,"performableVariationLetter":null,"personas":[],"placementGuids":[],"portableKey":null,"portalId":61352,"position":null,"postBody":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><br>There is no copyright in ideas but there is copyright in specific expression of ideas.</p>\n<p>So, if you have an idea and you are able to express it in some sort of work that is defined in the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_Act_(Canada)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><em>Copyright Act</em></a> (Canada); <em>e.g.,</em> if you write it down, it’s a literary work; if you film it, it’s a cinematographic work; if you put it into a composition, it’s a musical work – then that is protected under the <em>Copyright Act</em> and you as the first owner/author are able to do whatever you wish with it and grant rights that you have to any other party.</p>\n<p>That is always something to be mindful of: when people are working in collaboration together, while there is no ownership of ideas, it really comes down to the specific expression of ideas. And then once you have that work created, you have that full protection.</p>\n<p>People often ask me, “Well, what about registering the copyright with the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Intellectual_Property_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Canadian Intellectual Property Office</a> or the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Copyright_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">US Copyright Office</a>?” I always advise: that’s never a bad idea to go and register your copyright because that will come up when other people do searches and it puts a time and date stamp on that work and lets the world know that this is yours. However, by no means is it a requirement for you to have protection under the <em>Copyright Act</em>.</p>\n<p><em><strong>Nathaniel Lyman</strong> is a lawyer at Chandler Fogden Aldous Law Corporation in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he provides legal services exclusively in the areas of film and television. His clients include production companies, individual producers, animation studios, writers, directors, performers, and others in the creative fields. He was admitted to the British Columbia bar in 2013 after graduating from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia.</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><em>Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</em></strong> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">film producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\">What is incidental inclusion?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\"noopener\">How much of your production's format is copyrightable?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/avatar-producer-recieves-credit-where-credit-is-earned-thanks-to-eo-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">Avatar Producer Receives Credit Where Credit Is Earned</a></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">YouTube</span>: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbignxDvR02SQGI5zBx_rQ0hB\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) - Nathaniel Lyman</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Chandler Fogden Aldous is a leading entertainment law firm based in Vancouver, BC. They have extensive legal and business experience in the areas of film, television, digital media, and music. </em><em><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\">http://www.cfalaw.ca/</a><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\"></a></em></p>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</em></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><em>DISCLAIMER</em></strong><em>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</em></p></span>\n","postBodyRss":"<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><br>There is no copyright in ideas but there is copyright in specific expression of ideas.</p>\n<p>So, if you have an idea and you are able to express it in some sort of work that is defined in the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_Act_(Canada)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><em>Copyright Act</em></a> (Canada); <em>e.g.,</em> if you write it down, it’s a literary work; if you film it, it’s a cinematographic work; if you put it into a composition, it’s a musical work – then that is protected under the <em>Copyright Act</em> and you as the first owner/author are able to do whatever you wish with it and grant rights that you have to any other party.</p>\n<p>That is always something to be mindful of: when people are working in collaboration together, while there is no ownership of ideas, it really comes down to the specific expression of ideas. And then once you have that work created, you have that full protection.</p>\n<p>People often ask me, “Well, what about registering the copyright with the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Intellectual_Property_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Canadian Intellectual Property Office</a> or the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Copyright_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">US Copyright Office</a>?” I always advise: that’s never a bad idea to go and register your copyright because that will come up when other people do searches and it puts a time and date stamp on that work and lets the world know that this is yours. However, by no means is it a requirement for you to have protection under the <em>Copyright Act</em>.</p>\n<p><em><strong>Nathaniel Lyman</strong> is a lawyer at Chandler Fogden Aldous Law Corporation in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he provides legal services exclusively in the areas of film and television. His clients include production companies, individual producers, animation studios, writers, directors, performers, and others in the creative fields. He was admitted to the British Columbia bar in 2013 after graduating from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia.</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><em>Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</em></strong> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">film producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\">What is incidental inclusion?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\"noopener\">How much of your production's format is copyrightable?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/avatar-producer-recieves-credit-where-credit-is-earned-thanks-to-eo-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">Avatar Producer Receives Credit Where Credit Is Earned</a></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">YouTube</span>: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbignxDvR02SQGI5zBx_rQ0hB\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) - Nathaniel Lyman</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Chandler Fogden Aldous is a leading entertainment law firm based in Vancouver, BC. They have extensive legal and business experience in the areas of film, television, digital media, and music. </em><em><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\">http://www.cfalaw.ca/</a><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\"></a></em></p>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</em></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><em>DISCLAIMER</em></strong><em>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</em></p>","postEmailContent":"<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\"> \n <div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\">\n <iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe>\n </div> \n</div>","postFeaturedImageIfEnabled":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/idea-copyright-shutterstock_1950564259-forweb600.jpg","postListContent":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><br>There is no copyright in ideas but there is copyright in specific expression of ideas.</p>\n<p>So, if you have an idea and you are able to express it in some sort of work that is defined in the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_Act_(Canada)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><em>Copyright Act</em></a> (Canada); <em>e.g.,</em> if you write it down, it’s a literary work; if you film it, it’s a cinematographic work; if you put it into a composition, it’s a musical work – then that is protected under the <em>Copyright Act</em> and you as the first owner/author are able to do whatever you wish with it and grant rights that you have to any other party.</p>\n<p>That is always something to be mindful of: when people are working in collaboration together, while there is no ownership of ideas, it really comes down to the specific expression of ideas. And then once you have that work created, you have that full protection.</p>\n<p>People often ask me, “Well, what about registering the copyright with the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Intellectual_Property_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Canadian Intellectual Property Office</a> or the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Copyright_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">US Copyright Office</a>?” I always advise: that’s never a bad idea to go and register your copyright because that will come up when other people do searches and it puts a time and date stamp on that work and lets the world know that this is yours. However, by no means is it a requirement for you to have protection under the <em>Copyright Act</em>.</p>\n<p><em><strong>Nathaniel Lyman</strong> is a lawyer at Chandler Fogden Aldous Law Corporation in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he provides legal services exclusively in the areas of film and television. His clients include production companies, individual producers, animation studios, writers, directors, performers, and others in the creative fields. He was admitted to the British Columbia bar in 2013 after graduating from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia.</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><em>Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</em></strong> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">film producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\">What is incidental inclusion?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\"noopener\">How much of your production's format is copyrightable?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/avatar-producer-recieves-credit-where-credit-is-earned-thanks-to-eo-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">Avatar Producer Receives Credit Where Credit Is Earned</a></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">YouTube</span>: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbignxDvR02SQGI5zBx_rQ0hB\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) - Nathaniel Lyman</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Chandler Fogden Aldous is a leading entertainment law firm based in Vancouver, BC. They have extensive legal and business experience in the areas of film, television, digital media, and music. </em><em><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\">http://www.cfalaw.ca/</a><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\"></a></em></p>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</em></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><em>DISCLAIMER</em></strong><em>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</em></p></span>\n","postListSummaryFeaturedImage":"","postRssContent":"<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\"> \n <div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\">\n <iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe>\n </div> \n</div>","postRssSummaryFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/idea-copyright-shutterstock_1950564259-forweb600.jpg","postSummary":"<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n","postSummaryRss":"<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\"> \n <div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\">\n <iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe>\n </div> \n</div>","postTemplate":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-post.html","previewImageSrc":null,"previewKey":"PDovuzje","previousPostFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/images/eando/copyright-forweb.jpg","previousPostFeaturedImageAltText":"E&O Insurance: copyright infringements","previousPostName":"How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright?","previousPostSlug":"articles/bid/103438/e-o-acquire-proper-permission","processingStatus":"PUBLISHED","propertyForDynamicPageCanonicalUrl":null,"propertyForDynamicPageFeaturedImage":null,"propertyForDynamicPageMetaDescription":null,"propertyForDynamicPageSlug":null,"propertyForDynamicPageTitle":null,"publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"publishDate":1664203933000,"publishDateLocalTime":1664203933000,"publishDateLocalized":{"date":1664203933000,"format":"medium","language":"en_US"},"publishImmediately":true,"publishTimezoneOffset":null,"publishedAt":1664205281757,"publishedByEmail":null,"publishedById":7915797,"publishedByName":null,"publishedUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/can-an-idea-be-copyrighted","resolvedDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","resolvedLanguage":null,"rssBody":"<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p99ZK0EqH4?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><br>There is no copyright in ideas but there is copyright in specific expression of ideas.</p>\n<p>So, if you have an idea and you are able to express it in some sort of work that is defined in the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_Act_(Canada)\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><em>Copyright Act</em></a> (Canada); <em>e.g.,</em> if you write it down, it’s a literary work; if you film it, it’s a cinematographic work; if you put it into a composition, it’s a musical work – then that is protected under the <em>Copyright Act</em> and you as the first owner/author are able to do whatever you wish with it and grant rights that you have to any other party.</p>\n<p>That is always something to be mindful of: when people are working in collaboration together, while there is no ownership of ideas, it really comes down to the specific expression of ideas. And then once you have that work created, you have that full protection.</p>\n<p>People often ask me, “Well, what about registering the copyright with the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Intellectual_Property_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Canadian Intellectual Property Office</a> or the <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Copyright_Office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">US Copyright Office</a>?” I always advise: that’s never a bad idea to go and register your copyright because that will come up when other people do searches and it puts a time and date stamp on that work and lets the world know that this is yours. However, by no means is it a requirement for you to have protection under the <em>Copyright Act</em>.</p>\n<p><em><strong>Nathaniel Lyman</strong> is a lawyer at Chandler Fogden Aldous Law Corporation in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he provides legal services exclusively in the areas of film and television. His clients include production companies, individual producers, animation studios, writers, directors, performers, and others in the creative fields. He was admitted to the British Columbia bar in 2013 after graduating from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia.</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><em>Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</em></strong> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">film producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\">What is incidental inclusion?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\"noopener\">How much of your production's format is copyrightable?</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/avatar-producer-recieves-credit-where-credit-is-earned-thanks-to-eo-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">Avatar Producer Receives Credit Where Credit Is Earned</a></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">YouTube</span>: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbignxDvR02SQGI5zBx_rQ0hB\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) - Nathaniel Lyman</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Chandler Fogden Aldous is a leading entertainment law firm based in Vancouver, BC. They have extensive legal and business experience in the areas of film, television, digital media, and music. </em><em><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\">http://www.cfalaw.ca/</a><a href=\"http://www.cfalaw.ca/\"></a></em></p>\n<p><strong><em>About</em></strong><em>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</em></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><strong><em>DISCLAIMER</em></strong><em>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. 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Can an Idea be Copyrighted? | Film Producer's E&O Insurance

Can an idea be copyrighted?


There is no copyright in ideas but there is copyright in specific expression of ideas.

So, if you have an idea and you are able to express it in some sort of work that is defined in the Copyright Act (Canada); e.g., if you write it down, it’s a literary work; if you film it, it’s a cinematographic work; if you put it into a composition, it’s a musical work – then that is protected under the Copyright Act and you as the first owner/author are able to do whatever you wish with it and grant rights that you have to any other party.

That is always something to be mindful of: when people are working in collaboration together, while there is no ownership of ideas, it really comes down to the specific expression of ideas. And then once you have that work created, you have that full protection.

People often ask me, “Well, what about registering the copyright with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office or the US Copyright Office?” I always advise: that’s never a bad idea to go and register your copyright because that will come up when other people do searches and it puts a time and date stamp on that work and lets the world know that this is yours. However, by no means is it a requirement for you to have protection under the Copyright Act.

Nathaniel Lyman is a lawyer at Chandler Fogden Aldous Law Corporation in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he provides legal services exclusively in the areas of film and television. His clients include production companies, individual producers, animation studios, writers, directors, performers, and others in the creative fields. He was admitted to the British Columbia bar in 2013 after graduating from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia.

 

Are you a producer in Canada or the US? Get a quote for film producer’s E&O insurance here.

 

Related:

About: Chandler Fogden Aldous is a leading entertainment law firm based in Vancouver, BC. They have extensive legal and business experience in the areas of film, television, digital media, and music. http://www.cfalaw.ca/

About: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.

DISCLAIMER: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.

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