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Copyright

Copyright Law: The Protection of Expression

While most people are aware of the existence of copyright laws, few people know the full scope of protection that copyright laws offer. Copyright protection isn't just for books and music. These laws also protect such works as sculptures, computer software and live performances.

What is Protected by Copyright Law?

Copyright laws don’t protect ideas but rather the expression of those ideas. The laws exist to encourage people to create new works without the fear that someone will exploit their hard work.

Various factors determine whether a work is protected under copyright laws, including:

• Originality of the work
• Whether the work has been set in some sort of concrete form (though not necessarily actual concrete).

Copyrights last for a set amount of time, which can vary depending on the author of the work. For example, an identifiable author's work will be protected for the duration of his life plus 70 years, while an anonymous work will be protected for only 95 years from the time of publication. Please note, however, that laws may have changed since the time of this writing.

Owning the copyright in a work entitles a person to several rights, including the right to reap the fruits of using that profit from the use of the copyrighted work- i.e. making money by selling or renting those rights. Copyright laws also prevent and punish others from using someone else's rights for self gain. Not only do copyright laws protect the original work from unauthorized use, but they also prohibit someone from taking notable elements from an existing work to create a new work.

Avoid Infringing on Someone Else's Copyrights

Make sure you are not infringing on the copyright of another. Copyright infringement can be avoided by getting permission from the person who owns the copyright in the work that you want to use. Permission is not required if the original work's copyright time frame has expired and the work has fallen into the public domain.

The owner of a copyright can either sell all of his rights or he can sell licenses, giving others limited use of the copyrighted work for a limited purpose.

Sometimes issues arise as to who actually owns a copyright. Some common examples might include instances when more than one person is involved in the creation of a work or when an employee creates a work for his employer.

Copyright Law is Evolving

Though contemporary copyright law begins in federal statute, this area of law continues to grow because of the new case law is emerging as a result of the advances in technology and popularity of the Internet.

If you have questions about copyright law as it applies to your creations, need to enforce copyrights or have been accused of copyright infringement, consult with a copyright lawyer. Connect with a local attorney practicing in copyright law through AttorneyFind today.