Copyright Law Basics
1. What is Copyright?
Copyright is a form of intellectual property law that protects original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Works of authorship can include any dramatic, artistic, literary or musical work, such as books, poems, photographs, songs, movies, recordings, computer software, paintings, and architecture.
2. How can I copyright my work of authorship?
Copyright protection arises at the moment that your work is fixed in a tangible medium of expression. When you write down that story. When There is no requirement that you apply to register your work with the copyright office. However, registering your work with the copyright office is required if you wish to bring a copyright infringement lawsuit. Also, registering your work with the copyright office provides proof of date of authorship as well as allowing the copyright holder to seek enhanced damages against an infringer.
A Copyright registration requires that you provide the copyright office with a copy of your work, the category and classification of the work, and a filing fee. It is advisable that you consult with and retain a copyright lawyer to handle the registration process.
The term of a copyright varies based on numerous factors. In general, a U.S. copyright will last for the life of the author plus 70 years. After which the work will be part of the public domain.
3. What if someone uses my work without my permission?
Copyright infringement is common. There is a widespread misconception about what constitutes a protected copyrighted work and what constitutes the public domain. The ease with which technology, social media, the internet, mobile applications, and other media permit and promote the display, transfer and sharing of original works of authorship- be they photographs, songs, or screenplays- contributes to this misconception. Simply put, many copyrighted works are routinely copied or used in an authorized manner contrary to the copyright laws.
If you feel that your creative work has been used in an unauthorized manner, Contact Us to see how we can help.