Do WebSites have copy rights for their content?

Acme101

Hi All,
 
I have been thinking about a web site that would be for web user entertainment (not adult entertainment).  When I first had the idea there were no sites of its kind.  Now there are a few.  I was disappointed at first until I realized that my ideas are better.
 
Are these other web sites protected by a copy right or can I go forward and have my site created and basically just compete in the same area of interest?
 
 

Videography

All creative works are copyrighted, but you cannot copyright a process.  That`s for patents.  As long as you don`t copy their content you should be OK with a similar site.

pepperlegal

Steve is correct.  The text, content, and "look and feel" of a website is subject to copyright protection.  The ideas or concepts behind it is not.  But beware, even if you don`t do an exact copy of a website, "derivative works" of the content are also protected by copyright. 
Some good information on derivative works at http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf.

Acme101

Thank you for your responses.  There is still much to plan to ensure the site is creative enough to contribute something to its viewers.  There is alway so much to do, yet so little time.  I am working on a business plan for another venture and am trying to prioritize.  I look forward to reading the vast information that is here at SuN. 
 
Thanks again

WebJunky

wouldn`t you want to be different? both in appearance and content? that said, quality content should be your main objective.  if you are leveraging any kind of written content from another site, make sure you run it through a service like copyscape to ensure you are not violating copyrights. similarly you can use such service to ensure others are not stealing your work.  if you publish it first online it is your work. internet copy by its nature is copyright protected.

patentandtrademark

if the creative expression is not registered, it is next to worthless in practice - to the extent that worth is measured by the ability to exclude unauthorized copies.
 
The "look and feel" protection of copyright is questionable - that is typically the language of trademark protection.