Copyright protection is legal protection of a person’s unique and original work, such as artwork or books. It gives the author or creator exclusive rights. This is important because it protects the usage of the work, preventing others from stealing or distributing the work in unauthorized ways.
Read the rest of this article to learn more about copyright protection, such as how it works, how to obtain it, and when you need a lawyer for help through the process.
How Does Copyright Protection Work?
What people might not realize is that copyright protection is initiated as soon as the content is created, provided the work is original.
That said, although copyright is automatic, registering the copyright is essential. This serves to enforce the copyright, providing the owner of the work with sound legal protection.
What are the Benefits of Copyright Protection?
Registering your copyright provides you with these exclusive rights:
- You can reproduce the work, such as by having copies of the work made.
- You can prepare derivative work that’s based on the original work.
- You can distribute copies of your work to the public, such as by transferring its ownership or leasing it.
- You can perform the work in a public setting, such as if it is a musical, choreographic, literary, or dramatic work.
- You’re allowed to publicly display the work or perform it via a digital audio transmission (such as if the work is a sound recording).
What Can You Copyright?
You can copyright a variety of content types, but they have to be in a tangible medium. These include:
- Literary works, such as textbooks and fiction or poetry books.
- Musical works, such as compositions.
- Dramatic works, including scripts and plays.
- Pantomimes, either recorded or notated dance movements.
- Graphic and sculptural works, such as paintings or jewelry items.
- Audiovisuals, including TV shows or motion pictures.
- Sound recordings, such as recorded audio.
- Architectural works, such as blueprints.
There are many items that you can’t copyright, which include:
- Processes, systems, and procedures. Instead of acquiring copyright for these, you will protect them under patent law.
- Concepts, ideas, and discoveries.
- Titles, names, phrases, fonts, and layouts.
Can You Copyright More Than One Work at the Same Time?
You’re usually only allowed to register one work per copyright application. Although there are some exceptions to this rule, there are strict requirements you’ll have to meet. An example of when you can register multiple works together is if they’re bundled together in one unit.
How Can You Register for Copyright Protection?
You can register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office. You’ll have to submit a registration application, which can be done electronically or via hard copy. Electronic applications are more effective because they can be faster and more convenient. Here is what to do.
- Choose a form for your copyright application. There are different ones, depending on what work you want to copyright. You can find them on the U.S. Copyright Office website.
- Pay a filing fee. This will be included with your application, and it ranges from $25 to $140.
- Submit a deposit. This is a copy of the content that you’re registering. It needs to be submitted to the Copyright Office. There are different requirements to follow with deposits, depending on the type of work you’re registering.
When sending a copy of your work, you might be able to do so digitally, such as if your work is still unpublished. If you have a hard copy of your work, you’ll send it to the Copyright Office by courier.
How Long Will Copyright Protection Last?
Most works will be copyrighted for the life of the creator plus 70 years, and this has been in effect for works created since 1 January, 1978.
When the copyright lapses, the content becomes part of the public domain, meaning it can be used by anyone without requiring the creator’s permission.
If the work contains more than one author, copyright protection will last for 70 years after the last surviving author has passed away.
What is Copyright Infringement?
If you’ve registered your copyright and someone is violating your rights, you should confirm that you have the copyright (this is where having registered your copyright is valuable) and collect as much information about the violation as you can, such as screenshots of how your content is being used online without your permission.
There are legal methods you can use to stop the violation.
- Send the person a cease and desist letter. This lets the person who is violating your copyright know that you’re aware of their actions, and demands that they stop.
- Consider a takedown notice. You can also take down the infringement, such as if it’s on a platform. Report the violation on that platform so that you can try to remove the content.
- Consult with a lawyer. If your attempts are being ignored, you should consult with a professional lawyer who will be able to assist you. They can also draft the letters and notices for you to ensure that they’re written in a legally sound and effective way that’s more likely to get a response.
How Can a Lawyer Help You With Copyright Protection?
Seeking legal guidance for help with copyright protection is advisable. Here is how a lawyer can help you.
- They’ll advise you on copyright law and your rights.
- They’ll help you figure out if your work can be protected (such as that it’s original and fits one of the categories required for copyright protection).
- They’ll assist you with registering your copyright correctly.
- They’ll enforce copyright law, such as if someone tries to infringe on your copyright.
- They’ll support you if you enter into disputes related to the content or copyright, such as via mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings.
- They’ll help you draft important letters or notices, such as a cease and desist letter, if you’re dealing with a copyright infringement.
Where Can You Find a Lawyer for Copyright Protection?
If you need a lawyer for copyright protection, contact a lawyer on ContractsCounsel, an online legal marketplace that connects clients with experienced lawyers who have been vetted on the platform. They have the legal background and expertise to help you ensure you achieve legal and enforceable copyright protection.
