Why is everything copyrighted and trademarked in Scientology?
Every great religion wishes they possessed the written and spoken words of their founder. As Scientology was born in a modern age, the founder’s writings and recordings are extant and verifiable. Hence, the Church has been able to preserve L. Ron Hubbard’s legacy and ensure the religion remains pure to his original teachings for all time.
It was Mr. Hubbard’s intent that the scriptures of Scientology not only remain unadulterated, but that they always remain within the purview of the Church. Moreover, as he also developed and codified the materials governing the administration of Churches, these works were similarly preserved and protected.
Scientology and Dianetics are technologies that work if applied exactly. If they are altered, the results will not be uniform.
To safeguard the scripture and ensure it could never be altered or misused, Mr. Hubbard copyrighted all the materials of the religion. While to guarantee that Dianetics and Scientology could not be misrepresented, he further trademarked many of the religion’s identifying words and symbols. These copyrights and trademarks provide a legal mechanism by which to ensure Scientology’s religious technologies are standardly ministered in exact accordance with scriptures and not altered by misappropriation or improper use.
Over the years, unscrupulous persons have attempted, through dishonest conduct, to profit from the technologies of Dianetics and Scientology. The subjects were developed for spiritual salvation, not for anyone’s personal enrichment. By owning the trademarks and copyrights of the religion and enforcing their proper use, the Church can ensure such ill-intentioned actions will never occur.
