Expert: Kacey Cahill - 10/7/2009

Question
Hi i come from New Zealand a small country and i have just came up with a new card game called ace over. The game involves battles/blockers and thats about all i can go in to for now. but i was wondering how to copyright my idea or make sure its only made by me..? im on 20 and never done this before i also have a new burger invention called the beast but have yet to release it into the McDonalds restaurants worldwide. The card game uses quite a bit of skill and would be cool for online or at home and the burger i made up is sooo good lol. Is it worth my time copyrighting there ideas (im currently unemployed) and want to know the costs of copyright and how well (if successfully) could i benefit from these ideas (money wise to) please get back to me. cheers :)

Answer
Reece, if you have an original expression of an idea, you may copyright it.  You simply go to your country's copyright site and follow the filing procedures.  In the United States, people go to www.copyright.gov.  It is very straightforward, and people just upload the file when done.  It is also very inexpensive. I have no idea what the cost is in New Zealand or the procedures.

regards,

Kacey Cahill