Do recipes have copyrights, or can anyone compose a cookbook of recipes that might have overlaps with others?
fisherkath asked:
For instance, if I have a certain recipe for chicken soup that I want to publish in a collection of recipes, do I need to be concerned that another recipe might exist with the same items and directions? Not plagiarized, just coincidentally the same. Thanks!
Tags: chicken soup, Cookbook Recipes, CopyrightsFor instance, if I have a certain recipe for chicken soup that I want to publish in a collection of recipes, do I need to be concerned that another recipe might exist with the same items and directions? Not plagiarized, just coincidentally the same. Thanks!
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6 Responses to “Do recipes have copyrights, or can anyone compose a cookbook of recipes that might have overlaps with others?”
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your fine, just keep any proof just in case, like notes that show you developed your own recipe
No they don’t, but all reputable Cook-book writers acknowledge the influences on their recipes. You could do this by calling your recipe something like; “Julia’s….”
If it is for a family cookbook to be distributed to family, and not sold, you should be fine. My family had cookbooks made with family recipes. Some recipes came from cookbooks or restaurants, but we only used the books as family reunion souvenirs, and they were never sold.
it is ok to do what you are doing
I don’t think you’re going to be concerned about something like soup, unless you think there’s a recipe out there from someone else you’ve made so often over the years you’ve forgotten who from and that it’s maybe even yours. As long as you pay tribute where it is due, as in, either say it’s someone else’s or say the one you’re printing is inspired by someone else’s, you should be fine.
even though an individual recipe can not hold a copyright if it is in a publication or book it is covered under that publication or books copyright. If you come up with a recipe on your own exactly like another recipe in print you had better have excellent records of how you came up with it on your own and other proof you didnt copy it.
If you use someone elses recipe in your book you must
1. get written permission from the publisher and author to use the recipe
2. if you use the recipe after getting permission use the recipe only according to the written agreement
3. give total and complete (full) credit to the author including the book it came from
I have written several cook books and distribute some of the recipes here but, if you use one of my recipes in your book you better get permission before using it and watch for others that come from websites. The same applies to recipes off the internet as printed material.
as to plagiarizism yes it is, especially if it is as you describe it as being your own but it is the same as another. as for copying a recipe that you come up with that is similar that is nt a problem as long as there are enough difference to make it truly your own. in another words the ingredient list may be the same but the formula for measurements is different the directions are different and the outcome may be similar but you came up with it. so if a recipe is something like this
1/2 c. heavy cream
1/4 c. parmisan cheese
2 Tbs. onion
….
dont just change it to something like
1/4 c. cream
2 Tbs parmi cheese
1 Tbs onion
or 1/3 c cream
2 tbs + 1 tsp parmi cheese
1 1/2 tbs onion
the formula for all these is the same although the make the same thing. see what i mean? Good luck!