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I’ve spent the last few months developing a new trick. Without going in to too much detail; it is a card trick, the deck is gimmicked, the ‘modus operandi’ is original and mine (as far as I am aware) and the effect is strong, virtually self-working and utterly impossible!!!! I’ve already performed this for a couple of my magician friends and they were stunned.

I’d like to approach some of the dealers with my trick as I am sure there would be demand for my effect. Can anyone pass on any advice to me regarding how I should handle the whole thing? I’ve never done anything like this before.

Thanks for any feedback.

First of all i would deal with a copyright on the trick content, make sure you Video it, and thoroughly document everything that the trick ivnvolves, then place it in a jiffy bag along with the video, and a version of the gaffed deck, and post it to yourself but DO NOT open once its recieved, that way if anyone tries to take the trick from you, you have a post marked copy from a date prior to anything they will have.

I know one guy from the TM boards sold his coin vanish routine to ellusionist called 'Gone' ... you may want to speak to him about it, he'll have plenty of experiance I'm sure.

Have a look through the 'File Sharing' section Bill, he posted a video on there, it might be worth e-mailing him for some advice, he may be able to put you in touch with the right people, just make sure you've got the copyright stuff sorted first.

ROb

Good advice from SirRawlins. I'll just add, take care on your spelling and grammar in your initial approach, be polite, and don't be disheartened if someone says no. Life's a pitch, after all. Just keep plugging away.

Hehehehheheh

Be afraid, be VERY afraid...

hmm.. very interesting. Are you looking for a small or large dealer?

Have you thought of contacting Mark Mason. He may be willing to listen to ideas (i know he normally does )

SirRawlins wrote:First of all i would deal with a copyright on the trick content, make sure you Video it, and thoroughly document everything that the trick ivnvolves, then place it in a jiffy bag along with the video, and a version of the gaffed deck, and post it to yourself but DO NOT open once its recieved, that way if anyone tries to take the trick from you, you have a post marked copy from a date prior to anything they will have.

Sorry Rob, but I doubt thats going to protect him to the extent you think. In the US method is not protected and although it is less clear cut here in the UK the interpretation will likely be the same. Remember that copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself. But as I've said before, if you need legal advice go see a lawyer, not some stranger on the internet.

Saying that the method that Rob presents could be used to defend any potential argument over who originated the effect. I know the Magic Circle arbitrate in such cases, but this gives you no protection from rip off products.

There are really only two forms of protection available to you. The first is a patent on the gimmick which will almost certainly not be economically viable. The second is to simply use the market to defend your position. Get a good quality product to market and sign as many distributors as possible, leaving as little oxygen as possible for any alternative products. You may be able to do this yourself, but it would probably be better if you made friends with someone who had the relevant contacts and let them handle it. If the effect is strong and product has potential I'm sure they'll help for an appropriate percentage.