Facts About Copyright

Copyright law protects the right of an author or musician to be the only person to make money from his creation. Copyright law is so broad, in fact, that it covers movies, music, books, computer software or architecture. Basically, if you can touch it, see it, or hear it, you can protect it. Often times, the copyrighting process can be complicated, and others may try to steal or make money off your creations. That's why it's important to hire a copyright law attorney who can help you file your copyright petition and defend it against theft.

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Copyright law has long been held as important in the eyes of the world. It was even considered so vital that it was included in the United States Constitution. Without copyright law, the arts would not exist because artists could not support themselves.

Under copyright law, creators or copyright owners have the right to:

• Reproduce the copyrighted work
• Make derivative work based on the original
• Distribute the copyrighted work
• Perform the copyrighted work in public
• Display the copyrighted work in public

Since copyright laws grant exclusivity to the copyright owner, no one else may sell or use the copyrighted material without permission.

That's precisely why it's important to register your copyright. Hiring a copyright law attorney to help you file your petition with the U.S. Copyright Office means that your copyright will be protected and that you can take anyone who steals your work to court.

Some people may tell you about a "poor man's copyright." That's where you mail a copy of your work to yourself. Don't believe it. Under U.S. copyright law, the poor man's copyright does not exist. Registering your copyright means it's put on the public record and gives you a certificate of registration. Those are two very strong pieces of information that defend and prove your copyright in court.

With the help of a lawyer, you can fill out the necessary paperwork needed to file a copyright. If you send in all related materials and a copy of your work to the U.S. Copyright Office, there will be a record of your creation date. The creation date will be very important during any court proceeding.

According to copyright laws, copyrights last for the life of the author plus 75 years. And since the U.S. has copyright agreements with other countries, your work will be protected there too for about the same amount of time.

There are some exceptions to copyright law. The main one is the Fair Use Doctrine, which allows someone to use copyrighted material on a very limited basis.

Copyright law hot topics:

• Copyright
• The U.S. Copyright Office
• Trademark
• Patent
• Copyright life
• Copyright infringement
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act
• Copyright Act

Do you have questions about copyright law?

Contact one of our Copyright Lawyers now to receive a professional consultation.