Discussion:
What is the name of your state? Colorado - I have written a business plan that has been incorporated into a private placement memorandum for a company that I own 15% of its common stock. I have to date received no monetary compensation for the preparation of these materials and in the event of a dissolution of this company, my Consulting Agreement states that I remain the owner of the plan and ancillary materials. In writing this plan, I have included quotes that are taken from magazine articles and tradejournals as well as statistics taken from the same and governmental agencies. However, a substantial amount of analysis and discussion based upon these quotes and statistics is purely my own product of thought and disertation. This plan has been disemminated to specific individuals for their consideration of an investment opportunity, but no non-disclosure agreements have been entered into. My questions:
1) Can I claim a copyright on this plan?
2) Do I have any liability from quoting other published sources without their permission?
Answer:
1) Can I claim a copyright on this plan? Yes.
2) Do I have any liability from quoting other published sources without their permission? If the use of the materials is a "fair use," then no. See 17 USC 107 for more info on fair use.