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THE
U.S. COPYRIGHT OFFICE LAWS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a copyright?
A copyright
is a form of protection in the United States Constitution created for original
works of authorship. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.
Who is deemed as author, in the word Authorship?
Under the copyright law, the creator of the original
expression in a work is its author. The author is also the owner of A copyright
unless there is a written agreement by which the author assigns the copyright to
another person or entity, such as a publisher.
How long does a copyright
last?
The term of copyright protection lasts for the life of the
author plus an additional 70 years.
How do I put a
copyright on my work?
A copyright is placed on copies of the material to inform
all parties of copyright ownership that generally consists of the symbol or word
“copyright" and the name of the copyright owner, and the year of first
publication,
When is my work
protected?
Your work
is under copyright protection at the time it is created and IN tangible form.
What does
copyright protect?
A
Copyright protects original works of authorship, including Books,
Novels and poetry, music, art etc.
How do I get my work published?
Publication occurs at the discretion of the copyright owner.
The Copyright Office has no part in the publication process.
Does my work have to be published to be protected?
Publication is not necessary for
copyright protection
How do
I collect royalties?
royalties are usually a matter of private arrangements made
between an artist and publisher. The Copyright Office plays no PART in the
execution of contractual terms or business practices.
Do I have to register MY
COPYRIGHT to be protected?
No. In
general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is
created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for
infringement of a U.S. work.
Why should I register my BOOK
if copyright IS PROTECTED?
Registration is recommended AS to have the facts of their copyright a matter of
public record. You are issued a certificate of registration. Registered works
may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in the event of a
favorable decision in a court.
Can a minor
claim copyright?
Minors can
claim A copyright, but state laws may regulate the business dealings involving
copyrights owned by minors.
How do I
register my copyright?
To
register your material, submit a completed application form, a nonrefundable filing fee
of $30, and a copy of the work to be registered.
CONTACT THE U.S. COPYRIGHT OFFICE FOR FORMS
AND FURTHER INFORMATION ON ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.
CLICK
THE BUTTONS BELOW TO GAIN ACCESS TO THAT AREA
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