Hey, I know this is a little off topic but, I've created some chars I'd like to share, but I'm worried someone might take my ideas before I can use them. Does anyone know a way around that?

If you have an original character copywrite is automatic in Canada and the USA. The main problem is that you have to prove that it was your character first.
You can do this in a few ways, here in canada you can register characters as trademarks and so forth. but this is expensive.
A fast easy and inexpensive method.

Gather all your design elements together, from characters sketches, bio's all that info. basically anything you can find for your character.

make copies, then send them to yourself via registered mail.
when you get the package do not open it. put it away somewhere safe. The registered mail will be date stamped and will provide legal proof of when you created the characters.

If someone steals your ideas, sue them. Let the judge open the registered mail on the bench. unless the other party can somehow prove they created the characters before the date the letter was sent you win.

Thx winterhawk. That was really helpful.

The way Hawk describes is one way, but it isn't as likely to hold up in court as well as it might sound. After reading a few books on Copyright (Well they discussed copyrights... they weren't actually about them) it said that simply mailing your images to yourself will not necessarily secure them if you go to court. Since you are not registering them at the copyright office it is best to collect all your information, the originals, and have a friend witness your drawings and have a Notary Public sign off of them and the date of creation. If you are going to pull a double wammy and mail them to yourself as well, make your copies and have the Notary sign those as well... This will stand up in court a lot better than just mailing them to yourself.

Also, although it isn't necessary since 1989 to put the copyright C on your images... it is still strongly recommended that you continue this practice to let people know that it is a protected piece.

that's why you send it registered mail not regular mail.

Ty guys. Law was never my thing.

I guess it is different here Hawk... cause it doesn't matter what kinda mail you send it... it still doesn't hold water in courts here. That is why you need a notary and then registered mail. I am just trying to help a brotha out.

Who u callin' a brotha? I'm not even black!

So.. are you female?? And you don't have to be black to be considered a Brotha.... but since you seem offended...

"Just trying to help a Brother out." (said like a very goofy, nerdy white guy with tape on his glasses and a pocket protector)

Sry, 4got lol. So far, only dragondack offends me.
And yes, female, white, blond w/ blue eys. Anything else?