This might seem a bit odd, but I have often wondered, with the almost identical nature of various recent and time-tested self-improvement materials out there, why haven't self-help authors, motivational speakers, or even Scientology sued one another to pieces over Intellectual property or copyright violations, et cetera? Does this mean anyone can all but mimick Joe Guru's latest / greatest book or technique without fear of legal repercussion? I understand that it is commonly accepted knowledge that very few truly "novel" concepts emerge in personal development tools. The question is, with the exception of the recent lawsuit over "The Secret", why is it that such similar materials like self-help books do not violate some legal scenario? Most thorough reply wins. Many thanks.

All Answers To Questions

Because everybody puts a different spin and angle on it. They are covering the same basic ideas but in different ways. Just like most diet books use the same general ideas but come up with their own variations. Instead of authors suing each other, why don't people who buy them and find they don't work sue authors? That is an even better question. The whole idea is that self help books are "feel good" books. None of these ideas are original. Pax - C

The copyright is not for the "idea" but rather the written expression of that. If someone explains a concept using different terms to make it more understandable, that is not an infringement. you are probably right in thinking that one book may inspire others to write on the same subject matter. methods of doing things may get patent protection if truly novel, but anyone can write about or comment on the methods without infringement.

I should think that as long as its not plagiarism and the copied idea is not blatantly presented as such, then the writer's scot-free. Its the same recipe but glazed with different spins on ingredients and ways on how to cook it. Some people are really good with words that they're able to present other's ideas as their own and get away with it. Sometimes they give credit to their sources or references, sometimes they don't bother to. Oftentimes, writers borrow/steal one idea from one author and another idea from another author. Then they mix them all and voila, offer them as their own concoction. I really don't put much credence on these self-help books. Some may work on others, some may not. They're not absolute how-to's, really. I put them on the same category as diet books. If you line up the ideas on how to stay slim from way way back, you'd find contradicting and conflicting ideas on what really makes one fat, or how to shed those extra weight.

You are not likely to be successfully sued by another author unless you words are identical to his over a substantial part of your story. All novels are written with some similarities but the individual ideas can be vastly different. If you quote words from another author give the author credit for the quote. Writ your book and don't worry about it.