Protect Your Products With Copyright Registration
What is copyright?
Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.
What does copyright protect?
Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed.
How is a copyright different from a patent or a trademark?
Copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries. Ideas and discoveries are not protected by the copyright law, although the way in which they are expressed may be. A trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others.
When is my work protected?
Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.
Do I have to register with your office 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 work if copyright protection is automatic?
Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation.In addition, many info-marketers choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law.
I’ve heard about a “poor man’s copyright.” What is it?
The practice of mailing 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.
Is my copyright good in other countries?
The United States has copyright relations with most countries throughout the world, and as a result of these agreements, we honor each other's citizens' copyrights.These countries have agreed to give US copyrights the same protections under their law that are afforded to their residents.While it would be difficult for a US citizen to bring a cause of action in a foreign country, it is allowed under their law.
How do I register my products?
"Literary Works"- To register a book,website, workbook, teleseminar, manual or sales letter download the forms and follow the detailed instructions here:http://www.copyright.gov/register/literary.html
"Sound Recordings" - For products that are audio recordings delivered on audio CD, web broadcast or on digital files download the forms and follow detailed instructions here:http://www.copyright.gov/register/sound.html
"Serials and Periodicals"- Newsletters must be registered within 90 days of publishingby downloading the forms and submitting copies of the newsletters using these instructions http://www.copyright.gov/register/serial.html