Post #271870 by Chip and Andy on Mon, Dec 11, 2006 8:33 PM

Thought this was an interesting thread and deserved a bit more discussion. The Copyright Office official answer. To sum up... The recipe is not subject to any kind of copyright. The book you found the recipe in may be subject to Copyright, but not the actual recipe.

For example:

You could offer a Missionary's Downfall on your menu and not have any concerns.

You could not offer "Beach Bum Berry's Missionary's Downfall" or "The Intoxica Missionary's Downfall" or even substantially quote those books in your description of the drink. Well, you could if you got permission from the Copyright holder.

And, when in doubt just ask. Ask the author, or the publisher, or your lawyer. Ask the internet, it knows everything....