Expert: Shannon Moore - 8/16/2009

Question
After hire I was trained in a particular educational methodology. I recognize that certain phrases associated with that method may be trademarked and thus credit ought to be given when using them. However, can the method, which is a natural consequence of reasoning logically from certain presuppositions, be copyrighted?

What about seminar material produced as an independent contractor? Actually, there was never a contract but simply payment for services rendered. I developed that material using the methodology but it is my own unique expression.

Please note that I intend to give credit where credit is due but I also wish to "free" the methodology for all to use.

Answer
Dear Eddie,

It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea. In this case, that could be any material used in connection with the method.

For the seminar material, I'd recommend checking into the copyright office at http://www.copyright.gov The application is online & is $35 each.

Now as far as if you can copyright material based on another party's methodology -- for that I'd recommend running it by an intellectual property attorney first. While the materials may be yours, it sounds like they were derived from another party's methodology. That other party may take issue with that & I feel it'd be a good idea to make sure that won't be the case before diving in too deep.

Hope that helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Warmest regards,
Shannon Moore
http://www.tmexpress.com
http://tmexpress.blogspot.com