Copyright
What Is a Copyright?
A copyright is a form of protection provided to the authors of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works, both published and unpublished.
A copyright protects the form of expression rather than the subject matter of the writing. For example, a description of a machine could be copyrighted, but this would only prevent others from copying the description; it would not prevent others from writing a description of their own or from making and using the machine.
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Any original work of authorship can be registered, including poetry, novels, movies, songs, paintings, photos, lesson plans, online courses, software, architectural blueprints, even choreography. If it involved your creativity, it should be copyrighted.
While a copyright is enacted by default from the moment an original artistic, literary or musical work is created, there are several reasons why you might also want to register the work for legal protection. Registering for a copyright will:
– Publish a record of the copyright for public viewing
– Allow you to file an infringement lawsuit
– Enhance your copyright’s validity in court
– Give you access to additional financial recovery if your work is stolen
The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.
Continued Creative Works Protection:
Next Level Legal can help you develop the right strategy for registering and protecting your creative works and brands. We value your work by structuring and negotiating transactions to safeguard and monetize your intellectual property rights, including the following:
- Copyright Registration
- Copyright Protection
- Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)
- Copyright Licensing
- Copyright Assignment Agreements
- Work For Hire
- And more…
At Next Level Legal, we offer straightforward, flat fee pricing to assist in your copyright needs. To learn more about your creative authorship rights, speak with an intellectual property lawyer today.
