Category Archives: Copyrights

17 U.S. Code § 201(a) sets forth that ownership in the copyright initially is owned by the author or authors of the work. This means the photographer of a photo, the artist who paints or draws a work of art, … Continue reading →

In order to obtain a copyright the work must have a modicum of creativity. This barrier is low, although it does prevent copyright protection in short phrases, business names, and ideas.  Copyright protection applies to a specific photograph, but it … Continue reading →

Can I get a copyright in house plans or building plans? The short answer to this question is yes.  However, the copyright only extends to those elements of the buildings plans that are original.  Determining what is an original element … Continue reading →

Common Law copyright vs registered copyright  Under current copyright law, if you just create something, you own a copyright in that thing, whether it is a statue, a book, a poem, a photograph, a piece of furniture, or a painting.  … Continue reading →

What information do you need to file for a copyright? Date and creation of the work. Date of first publication. Was the work for hire? Usually this is work done by an employee. If there is an agreement that a … Continue reading →

How do I provide proper notice that a work is copyrighted? Proper notice has the © symbol of the word “Copyright,” the name of the owner of the copyright, and the date of first publication. The date of first publication … Continue reading →

What is a Copyright? A copyright is an exclusive right to reproduce and prepare derivative works of an original work of authorship. When compared with the patent right, a copyright is affirmative in nature because it gives the owner a … Continue reading →

Information needed to file for copyright   To complete the registration forms properly, you (or the attorney preparing the registration) will need to know the answers to the following questions:  What is the title of the work? Have there been any … Continue reading →

Copyright is so easy to file that you can do it yourself easily for the $65 filing fee.  The enforcement potential is huge, if you have taken the precaution of filing for copyright before you were infringed or within 90 … Continue reading →

Common Law copyright vs registered copyright  Under current copyright law, if you just create something, you own a copyright in that thing, whether it is a statue, a book, a poem, a photograph, a piece of furniture, or a painting.  … Continue reading →