Q: I wanted to write a book based off of teachings and principles of someone else teachings.
He is a famous pastor and I wanted to know how do I properly give him credit? I want to put my personal experience on the information he gave, as well as add my own principles. How do I do this the correct way?
A:
Ideas themselves are not subject to copyright protection, however, the creative expressions of those ideas are protectable. If you're using creative content that was written or spoken by the pastor, then you probably need permission or a license to use his work. Merely crediting the pastor with a statement in your book is not enough to avoid liability for copyright infringement.
This is a restatement of a general principle of copyright law, there are many nuances to the law and facts that could change whether this is in fact copyright infringement or, in the case of infringement, whether you'd have a strong argument for fair use. An attorney experienced in copyright law will be able to give you an answer to your specific questions. Many offer free consultations to determine whether they can assist you.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
