Can I put recipes from books on?

[Kezz]

Am I infringing copyright if I copy out a recipe from a book onto my blog?

The idea is if I try a recipe and it goes well (or not) I want to be able to stick it on the blog, if it's gone well I'd like to share the recipe too. Is that allowed or not? I'd give the title and author and a link to amazon probably too....

It's not a food blog, it's pretty random life stuff.

[ErictheBeehiveHairdresser]

I'm no lawyer and the rules of copyright infringement in the U.S. are left a little vague so please do not use my advice as being that of any legal stance.

Having gotten that out of the way, if you just posted the recipe that would be all out copyright infringement.

If you post the recipe and do some sort of satire or parody with it, you are most likely in the clear.

(I just noticed you are in the UK...I haven't a clue what the laws might be there.)

[ryanrob]

I wouldn't copy straight from the book, check out creativecommons.com for re-useable recipes or articles. But give credit to the authors.

[CalissaLeigh]

Rewrite the recipe in your own words, adding your own thoughts, any ingredient substitutions, etc.

Copyright protection doesn't work when it comes to facts. A recipe is a fine line regarding facts, because the facts (ingredients and things) are flexible. So explore, rewrite in your own words, share your thoughts on the subject.

And if you're kind, add where you found the original recipe from.

[ChickenFreak]

Here's the US copyright office's view on it.

U.S. Copyright Office - Recipes

As I interpret it, the _information_ contained in the ingredients list and cooking instructions are not copyrightable, but if the recipe includes creative descriptions of the dish or a funny anecdote or _anything_ else that demonstrates creativity in writing or expression, even just a distinctive way of rephrasing "One onion, chopped", those would be copyrightable. Therefore, it seems safest to rewrite the whole thing in your own words.

Also, if a trademark is involved (say, Tollhouse Cookies), I could imagine that also being an issue requiring careful phrasing.

[Kezz]

Yeah, I'd copy out the ingredients but I'd rewrite the instructions. Then link to the book on amazon or the recipe on their site (if I can find it). And pics + my write up of my attempt. So that should be ok? As long as I'm not making out it's my recipe.

[simore101]

rewrite the instructions

[ChickenFreak]

Originally Posted by Kezz

Yeah, I'd copy out the ingredients but I'd rewrite the instructions. Then link to the book on amazon or the recipe on their site (if I can find it). And pics + my write up of my attempt. So that should be ok? As long as I'm not making out it's my recipe.

That is my belief, but remember that I Am Not A Lawyer, so don't take me too terribly seriously.