AboutShannon Moore Expertise I am able to answer general questions pertaining to copyrights and patents, such as explanations of what they are & how to obtain them. I cannot answer specific legal questions.
Experience Since 1994, I have been the General Manager for TradeMark Express, which specializes in trademarks. Over the years, I've accumulated information pertaining to copyrights and patents.
Organizations TradeMark Express belongs to BBB, the Better Business Bureau, as well as INTA, the International Trademark Association
Question I've heard that while specific language and characters in a novel are copyrighted, the plot itself is not subject to copyright protection. Is this correct?
Answer Dear Will,
Thanks for revamping the question - answering a specific scenario is far too involved as there are so many factors at play so it would've been impossible to provide you a clearcut answer.
That being said, you are correct. Plots fall into the realm of ideas & here's what the Copyright Office has to say about that:
"Copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, systems, or methods of doing something. You may express your ideas in writing or drawings and claim copyright in your description, but be aware that copyright will not protect the idea itself as revealed in your written or artistic work."
