Can I copy recipes from books and other websites and make slight changes in the method for my website?!
Can I copy recipes from books and other websites and make slight changes in the method for my website?
I want to start a website with huge database of recipes. Can i copy the recipes from various books and other websites and make slight changes in the method of preparation? Will this result in copyright violation. I have read the copyright law about recipe. It only states that the expression of the author cannot be copied. Can i copy the ingredients as it is and make slight changes only in the method by expressing in my own words similar to their expression? (or)
Is it is safe to use the phrase "taken from" or "adapted from" on the recipes and make the same slight changes.
Please send me a perfect answer soon.
I need it soon. Thank you.
Answers:
This is what I found
"A mere listing of ingredients is not protected under copyright law. 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 collection of recipes as in a cookbook, there may be a basis for copyright protection.".
So...I think you are ok getting recipes off the web. Just remove the authors expression and change the preparation around.