Intellectual Property on Stand-Up Comedy

This article discusses the doctrine of the idea/expression dichotomy in Stand-Up Comedy, whose central issue lies in the delimitation between expression of a protectable joke and its originating idea. In practice, application of this doctrine seems to be present rather as a barrier against joke theft. Intellectual property laws seem to lack effectiveness due to its system's own implied characteristics. North-American social norms are explored, which substitute Intellectual Property but nevertheless are inspired by it, with aims to effectively prevent joke theft and foster creativity.