Stanford CIS

Episode #41: Who Owns That Joke

By Christopher Sprigman on

CIS Affiliate Scholar Christopher Sprigman comments on Infinite Guest: Life of the Law.

"If someone stole something from you — let’s say, your TV — you’d probably go to the police. If they stole an idea from you — let’s say, your totally awesome flying car — you might go to court. But if you’re a comedian, and someone steals your joke, you might not go anywhere at all. This week on Life of the Law: who owns jokes, and why the law probably can’t help you if someone takes yours. Of course, this story starts with a joke: about a boy who plays football, and his dad, who wants to see him win. Mary Adkins takes it from here."

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