Got any advice on putting out a new mentalism effect?

Let's say I've come up with an amazing new and original mental effect that I can manufacture myself. How do I make sure it's original? How do I protect myself so it isn't stolen? Can I copyright a magic effect?

Thanks for your help!

One piece of advice I would give you is to get everything ready before it is released and do it "en block". Also write an article about, on, or around the piece which can be published in magic magazines. The whole idea being that the knowledge that it the effect is yours.

Be sure to check and do your homework first, making sure that it has not already been released.

Another tip is to post it to yourself recorded delivery before you release it, giving you proof that it was at least yours on a certain date.
As discussion on another post, this is not proof of copyright.

I'd ask Chance Wolf, of Wolf's Magic. He knows how to do it right!

http://www.WolfsMagic.com