A short phrase is not copyrightable in the US. However, a phrase can be trademarked. But the uses of a trademark and the protections it offers are quite different than what copyright offers. Here is a good primer on trademarks in the US: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/metaschool/fisher/domain/tm.htm The legal obligations aren't necessarily what you want to consider to be your moral obligations, though. Philip. On Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 1:04 PM, < transitional-genealogists-forum-request@rootsweb.com> wrote: > > > From: "M. A. Beldin" <mabeldin@gmail.com> > Subject: [TGF] When is a phrase copyrighted? > > Hello, > In my never-ending desire to use proper citations and not violate > people's copyright, I am still confused but trying to understand so that I > can instruct my genealogy society members. > > I am wondering when a perfectly normal English phrase becomes > copyrighted. > > For example, I have written to and received permission from Elizabeth > Shown Mills to use the phrase "FAN Club Principle" and the explanation in > my May presentation to my genie society. Of course, I will do this with > proper citation and I am always sure to actually say where I get my > information from. > > I now see where DearMyrtle has coined a phrase: "Principles of "The > Pinball Approach to Genealogical Research" in her Jan 20th and 23rd blogs > and this phrase was reused by Randy Seaver in GeneaMusings blog without a > footnoted citation but he did say he felt DearMyrtle had coined the phrase, > he mentioned when and where he heard her use this and another similar > phrase. > > I would love to use this phrase in my May presentation and I will be > seeking permission to use it and her explanation of what it means but > wonder if I am going too far in thinking I need to ask permission every > time someone utters some words in the English language. > > My question is: when does a phrase become copyrighted? A pinball approach > I have heard attributed to other areas of life, a fan club is when a group > of people follow someone for some reason. So by adding the word "principle" > makes it copyrighted? or using the word fan as an acronym makes it > copyrighted, or using quotes? > > And, BTW, I have received permission to explain the "FAN Club Principle" > as mentioned above, I will seek permission from DearMyrtle for use of her > phrase, and I was granted permission to use the late Sandra Luebking's > words "What's an "Intermediate"? Or should I take Course 1 or Course 2?" > found on the IGHR website as long as I give proper credit and citations. > > So I am learning, > Margie in Washington State > > > [image: My Family Tree] > > Margie STEIN Beldin, *Family Historian and Genealogist* >