Can I copyright a recipe?

I have come up with a recipe for what I call my nature bars and have started to make them for people. Do I have to copyright my recipe and how do I get started doing this as a business?

Thanks,
Dana

Nina Kaufman answered September 27, 2007|

Comment

The Copyright Office clearly states that 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. For more information on what is copyrightable and how to do it, go to the Copyright Office's website at www.copyright.gov.

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Nina Kaufman

Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. is an award-winning New York City attorney, edutainer and author. Under her Ask The Business Lawyer brand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine. She also writes the Making It Legal blog.