IS AUTHORISATION TO REPRINT A RECIPE NECESSARY?

[akuaniambi]

DEAR WRITERS CIRCLE,


I AM NEW TO THE CIRQUE. I WANT TO  WRITE AN OUTLINE FOR A RECIPE BOOK AND I AM WONDERING DO I NEED TO OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM A WEBSITE IF I FIND A RECIPE I WANT TO PLACE IN MY BOOK? ALSO, I AM WONDERINGIF ANY ONE CAN SHOW ME A SAMPLE BOOK OUTLINE.

MUCH SUCCESS,
AKUA

[SuzieHarris]

Hi,

In my opinion, yes you need permission. The last thing you need is a law suit. Even if you didn't need permission, it always good to ask.

Suzie

[Nick]

If you're going to copy the recipe word for word, then yes, you should ask permission. On the other hand, if you are simply 'borrowing' the basic idea, I don't think this is necessary.

There is a basic principle that applies here, which is that copyright exists in the form of words used. You cannot, in most instances, copyright an idea.

Nick GM

[wealthyblogger]

Lists of ingredients are not copyright. Description and instructions are.

The US Copyright factsheet on this matter says:

Mere listings of ingredients as in recipes, formulas, compounds or prescriptions are not subject to copyright protection. However, where a recipe or formula is accompanied by substantial literary expression in the form of an explanation or directions, or when there is a combination of recipes, as in a cookbook, there may be a basis for copyright protection.

WB