Can Recipe Be Copyrighted?

Recipes can involve different kinds of copyright protection, so it is important to separate the recipe itself from the way it is written and presented.

Under U.S. copyright guidance, a simple list of ingredients is not protected by copyright. However, original written directions, stories, introductions, photographs, illustrations, and other creative expression may be protected. A cookbook as a collection may also contain copyrightable material.

If you are using a recipe from a published cookbook, website, magazine, or other source, the safest approach is to write the directions in your own words, avoid copying photographs or descriptive text without permission, and credit the source when appropriate. If you plan to sell or widely distribute the cookbook and are unsure about your rights, consider getting permission from the copyright owner or seeking legal advice.

Family Cookbook Project provides general information only and cannot determine whether a particular use is legally permitted.