Copyrighting/Patenting a Conlang

Okay first off, let me say that I'm asking this because someone on
another list asked it.  I don't actually have a conlang that I'd be
worried about protecting.  Though, I might one day....

In any case, has anyone looked into this?  Has anyone done a conlang for
a published work that they worried about protecting?  How about just
plain protecting one?
I seem to recall that there was some kind of legal case involving the
Tolkien estate, but I don't recall the details.  Can anyone enlighten
me?  Might that be applicable in this case?

Thanks,
Jim
--
When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food
and clothes.
  - Desiderius Erasmus

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