Qun re copyright of recipes please?

[nike]

I have some fantastic recipes (particularly finger food ones) that I've accumulated over time and typed out, saved to PC, and would like to post for the benefit of others - but first I need to know if I have to cite which book I got them from in regards copyright laws?  I have typed them out verbatim from various recipe books but now can't remember where I got some of them from??

[Freya'sMum]

I guess if you know where they came from, you ought to, but if you don't you can't I will refer to the site admin to check your question out ok?

Ax

[Gareth - Harvey & Theo's Dad]

The best I can do is refer you to a portion of the text that is in the Registration Agreement that you accepted when registering:

"You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material."

As the issue of copyright and websites is such a legal minefield I would recommend not posting those that you are uncertain of, and those that you are certain of should only be posted with the express consent of the copyright holder

[EllenS]

From the US copyright office:

"Mere listings of ingredients as in recipes, formulas, compounds or prescriptions are not subject to copyright protection. 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 combination of recipes, as in a cookbook, there may be a basis for copyright protection."

Don't know about other countries.

[nike]

Thanks for your replies.  Unfortunately I've typed them out verbatim and don't have the time to retype into my own words (which I guess gets around the copyright issue), so I guess it's easier to leave it at that