"Stolen from Stardust and Air: Idea Theft in the Entertainment Industry" by Robert M. Winteringham

Article Title

Stolen from Stardust and Air: Idea Theft in the Entertainment Industry and a Proposal for a Concept Initiator Credit

Authors

Robert M. Winteringham, Indiana University School of Law

Document Type

Note

Publication Date

3-1994

Publication Citation

46 Federal Communications Law Journal 373 (1994)

Abstract

In the entertainment industry idea theft is rampant. Because copyright protects only fixed expressions, a legal remedy does not always exist to stop the unattributed and unrewarded use of plot ideas. By incorporating elements from existing copyright and contract law, this Note proposes the creation of a "concept initiator" credit to protect fully developed ideas even where copyright cannot attach. The Author argues that the credit and the three-part test to determine when the credit applies will protect ideas from theft without drastically increasing the number of frivolous lawsuits.

Recommended Citation

Winteringham, Robert M. (1994) "Stolen from Stardust and Air: Idea Theft in the Entertainment Industry and a Proposal for a Concept Initiator Credit," Federal Communications Law Journal: Vol. 46: Iss. 2, Article 8.
Available at: https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/fclj/vol46/iss2/8

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