Copyright Basics Everyone Should Know
August 12, 2008 by sweetdesigner
Do you know the basics of a copyright? This is important to know for all people who use the internet, sell on online, create graphics and more.
What is a Copyright?
Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.
What Does Copyright Protect?
Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed. It does not protect domain names.
When is my work protected?
Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.
Do I have to register my copyright to be protected?
No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work.
The correct use of © symbol
To immediately secure a copyright, add this to your document or web site - copyright © 2007 Your Name. You don’t have to register with the US Copyright office, but registering has it’s advantages. Find out more about copyrights straight from the source http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html#wci.
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)
A 1998 amendment to the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976 that provides for criminal prosecution with up to 10 years of imprisonment for circumventing technical measures that protect copyrighted works. Want to learn more about the DMCA? Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMCA.
Here are a few tips to remember about copyrights
• Don’t copy what isn’t yours unless you follow the rules and get permission or you work falls under the “Fair Use” doctrine.
• Don’t copy images unless you purchase a license and/or get permission from the author. Basically, just don’t take what isn’t yours.
• Do learn our laws that are developed specifically for the internet.
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