Register an idea, protect a concept

Registering a copyright consists in registering a work, creation or concept so as to have proof of its authorship and date of creation. This registration provides legal protection for your copyright.

Copyright is the right of a creator over his or her creation, acquired automatically by the existence of an original and creative creation(sic!). Copyright is the most direct translation of the English word droit d’auteur (authorization to copy), and the only way to prove this right is by proof of anteriority, which can be done, for example, at FIDEALIS, at a notary’s office, at a bailiff’s office, or on a blockchain. In most countries outside the USA, copyright does not require any compulsory formalities.

In the USA, the absence of a copyright registered with the Copyright Office makes it possible to prevent use, but severely limits compensation.

You can register a copyright online with a full time-stamp via specialized platforms such as Fidealis, or with a bailiff who will draw up an official report, providing indisputable proof of your creation.

Copyright does not directly protect ideas, but it is possible to register an idea by materializing and organizing it in the form of a concept or dated documents (e.g. via an electronic envelope or a FIDEALIS copyright registration) to prove your anteriority in the event of litigation.

In reality, for an idea (which is actually a concept in the mind of the creator, who lacks the formalization to turn this “idea” into a registerable concept) you have no real choice but to use a time-stamping service or a court commissioner. Registering a copyright for an idea gives you legal proof that makes it easier to defend your rights in the event of usurpation, plagiarism or counterfeiting, and enables you to promote your creation to partners or investors.

The cost varies according to the method chosen: online platforms are generally affordable (under €100), while using a bailiff can be more expensive (from €200).