is a movie idea legally protected in CA even if it was pitched during a conversation?

Question

Hello,

I have heard from a young legal advisor that when you tell an idea verbally in CA , it is also legally protected, in case the person tries to steal it. Is it correct or is it more to it? (of course, let's assume there were witnesses around to confirm the pitch otherwise we'd fall into the he said /she said situation-which hard to prove)

Also, what about if the person receiving the pitch is from a foreign county and he's visiting California during the time of the pitch?

Thanks

? · Answer

A couple of more details. The pitch is only based an idea , not a registered script or proposal.

xpatinasia · Answer

No, of course not.

Yeti · Answer

"Ideas" aren't protected by copyright. Only the tangible expressions are (like if you write down the actual script).

When you pitch something, there may be an implication of confidentiality. But unless you get something clearly in writing... you just had some vague idea, and somebody else went and made their own expression, perhaps influenced by it. There are lots of "ideas." You don't get to lock them all up just by pitching them. You have to do the actual "work."

If you want to ask another question based on what your "young legal advisor" says, ask them to explain their reasoning or what law they're referencing.

? · Answer

If the person pitching the idea has not written it down and registered the copyright, it is put into the public domain and can be used by anyone (and everyone).

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is a movie idea legally protected in CA even if it was pitched during a conversation?

4 Answers