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- What is a copyright?
Once you've created a unique piece of work such as written material,
music, drama, or artwork, it is important that you secure your work
from being stolen, published, or claimed by anyone else. The person
owning copyright, (proof of ownership), has all rights to the material
that has been copyri ghted. This means that no one else may sell, copy,
or reproduce your work wi thout your written permission.
- What works can be copyrighted?
Anything that is a unique creation that can be presented in concrete
, touchable form can be copyrighted. These include, but are not limited
to, writings like poems, stories, and articles; musical creations; song
lyrics; drama or plays; actions without words; arranged dance; building
designs; graphic and sculptural works; and sound recordings. You must
be able to provide material in manuscript form or supply photos of the
work you wish to copyright.
- What is not covered by copyright?
Any idea that has not been produced in touchable form cannot be copyright
ed. If you have an idea for a story, but have not yet written any portion
of that story, the idea cannot be protected under copyright law. If you
have performed a play but have no script or tape of the play, a copyright
will not apply. Copyrights cannot protect titles, names, short phrases,
slogans, let tering and coloring, or listings of ingredients or contents.
Lastly, anything that is common knowledge, such as standard calendars
or tape measures, is not qualified for copyright protection.
- Who is legally entitled to submit an application form for copyright?
Any author of a creative work who is working independently may file for
copyright. However, if you created work on assignment for a specific
publisher or company, and you are being paid for that work, then the right to
file and posses copyright belongs to that publisher or company. Another
person entitled to file copyright on works you've created is any person to
whom your work was sold, given, or traded through legal contract. In
addition, any person legally representing the author or creator of original
works is also able to secure a copyright.
- Can I copyright unpublished works?
It may be considered unprofessional by publishers, but copywriting unpublished
work is the only way to guarantee protection of a piece prior to submission.
Works may be registered in unpublished form as a collection with one application
form and one fee. An unpublished collection is recorded under the title
of the collection. For example, if you have written several poems, but
not enough to complete the book you envision, you can copyright those
poems as a collection, continuously adding to it and then renewing your
copyright registration to include any new pieces. The same principle applies
with unfinished novels, songs, plays, etc.
- What happens to my copyright if I sell a previously unpublished piece
of work?
Copyrights can be transferred from one person to another, such as author
to publisher, if an agreement is made in writing. However, copyright laws
may differ from state to state. For more information regarding transfer
of copyright in your area, it is advised that you consult an attorney.
- Do I need to copyright my work?
The
copyright laws created in 1978 state that a work is automatically copyrighted
from the moment of its creation. However, in order to protect the works
through proof of authorship, it is highly recommended that the copyright
be registered with the Library of Congress, which will generally protect
the copyrighted material for up to 70 years after the author's death.
- How do I register a copyright?
To register a copyright for a particular work or collection of works,
send a properly completed registration form, a nonrefundable filing fee
of $30, (fees subject to change), and two complete copies of the works
to:
Library of Congress, Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue S.E.,
Washington DC 0920559-6000.
Or, call (202) 707-6000 for more information.
- When does copyright registration become effective?
A copyright registration becomes effective on the date the copyright office
receives the application form, filing fee, and copies of works regardless
of how long it takes to process the information and mail the certificate
of registration.
- Where can I learn more about copyright information?
http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/
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