What Is Copyright:
Copyright is a form of protection given to us by the U.S. Constitution for original works both published and unpublished. Definition - the legal right granted to an author, composer, playwright, publisher, or distributor to exclusive publication, production, sale, or distribution of a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work.
What Does Copyright Protect:
Poetry
Novels
Movies
Songs
Computer Software
Architecture
What Does Copyright Not Protect:
Facts
Ideas
Methods of Operation
Why Should I Get Something Copyrighted:
To keep someone from taking your work and making it their own and receiving the benefits of your labor
If someone wants to use your work they have to pay you for the right first and they have to use it in whatever way you say
How Can I Get Something Copyrighted:
After you have determined if you have a work that can be copyrighted you have to register it with the Library of Congress. You can do it online or mail in a hard copy. There are three items you must send in - 1. a completed application 2. a filing fee for the application 3. a copy of the work you want copyrighted. Make sure you pick the right application for what you are copyrighting. You can find a complete list of the different applications at http://www.copyright.gov/.
How Long Does Copyright Last:
The life of the author plus an additional 70 years is the general rule. However for anonymous works, pseudonymous works, or works made for hire are either 95 years since the first publication or 120 years since it was created. Whichever falls first is the one that applies.
What If Someone Steals My Work/Copyright Infringement:
You’re main option is to take them to court. If you take the infringer to court they have to pay for all attorney fees and court costs. They also have to pay for the actual dollar amount of damages done and profits received. Then it is up to the court to decide what happens. They could issue an injunctions to stop the infringed work, impound the illegal work, or send the infringer to jail.
Work Cited:
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