Copyright

What is a Copyright?

A copyright is a form of intellectual property protection granted by law to the creators of original works of authorship. It provides the creator with exclusive rights to use, reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and create derivative works based on the original creation for a specified period of time.

Scope of Copyright Protection

Copyright typically covers a wide range of creative works, including but not limited to:

• Literary works (books, articles, poems)
• Musical compositions and lyrics
• Dramatic works
• Choreographic works
• Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
• Motion pictures and audiovisual works
• Sound recordings
• Architectural works
• Computer software

What Copyright Protects

Copyright protects the expression of ideas, but not the ideas themselves. It covers:

• Original works of authorship
• Works fixed in a tangible medium of expression

What Copyright Does Not Protect

Copyright does not extend to:

• Ideas, facts, or concepts
• Titles, names, slogans, or short phrases (these may be protected by trademark law)
• Works that are in the public domain

Rights Granted by Copyright

Copyright holders typically have the exclusive right to:

• Reproduce the work
• Prepare derivative works
• Distribute copies of the work
• Perform the work publicly
• Display the work publicly
• In the case of sound recordings, perform the work publicly by means of digital audio transmission

Duration of Copyright

The duration of copyright protection varies by jurisdiction and the type of work:

United States

• For works created after January 1, 1978:
  • Life of the author plus 70 years
  • For anonymous works, pseudonymous works, and works made for hire: 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter

European Union

• Generally, life of the author plus 70 years

How to Obtain Copyright

In many countries, including the United States:

• Copyright protection is automatic upon creation of the work
• Registration is not required for protection but offers additional benefits:
  • Public record of copyright
  • Ability to file an infringement suit
  • Eligibility for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation

Fair Use and Copyright Exceptions

Many jurisdictions recognize limitations to copyright, such as:

• Fair use doctrine in the United States
• Fair dealing in some Commonwealth countries
• Various specific exceptions for education, research, and other purposes

International Copyright Protection

• The Berne Convention provides a system of equal treatment for copyright protection among its signatories
• Many countries are members of international copyright agreements

Digital Copyright Issues

The digital age has brought new challenges to copyright law, including:

• Online piracy
• Digital rights management (DRM)
• User-generated content
• Streaming and digital distribution

Copyright vs. Other Intellectual Property Rights

• Patent: Protects inventions and discoveries
• Trademark: Protects brands, logos, and other identifying marks
• Trade secret: Protects confidential business information

Conclusion

Copyright is a crucial form of intellectual property protection that encourages creativity and innovation by granting creators exclusive rights to their works. While it provides strong protections, it also includes limitations and exceptions to balance the interests of creators with the public good.

FAQ about Copyrighting

Can I copyright an AI character?

Can I copyright my source code?

What is the difference between copyright and plagiarism?

Can I copyright my website?

How do I register a copyright?

What is work-for-hire in copyright law?

Can I use copyrighted material for educational purposes?

What is the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act)?

How do I copyright my logo?

What is Creative Commons licensing?

Can I copyright my business name?

What is the difference between copyright and Creative Commons?

How do I prove copyright infringement?

What is the Berne Convention for copyright?

Can I copyright my podcast?

What is the first sale doctrine in copyright law?

How do I license my copyrighted work?

What is copyfraud?

Can I copyright my dance choreography?

What is moral rights in copyright?

How do I file a DMCA takedown notice?

What is the difference between copyright and patent?

Can I copyright my recipe?

What is the public domain in copyright law?

How do I transfer copyright ownership?

What is copyright trolling?

Can I copyright my tattoo design?

What is the difference between copyright and trademark?

How do I protect my copyright internationally?

What is copyright termination?

Can I copyright my YouTube videos?

What is the idea-expression dichotomy in copyright law?

See Also

• Intellectual property
• Patent
• Trademark
• Fair use
• Public domain