What are the basics Copyright Protection?
|
Posted By: Aurelia Mitchell Durant on June 17, 2011 What are the basics Copyright Protection? The most basic level of copyright protection is automatic - the moment you produce a tangible work of art or other intellectual property and do not release your copyright to others, you are protected under US copyright law. That means the moment you write sheet music or record a song even with your laptop on your kitchen table, or paint a painting, or print a photograph, you have created a piece of intellectual property that is protected under copyright law. While it is no longer necessary under the terms of the Berne Convention which governs international property law, you can place the copyright symbol (©), followed by your name, on any material which is considered protected by copyright, and you have the right to do this yourself without any further registration. The only exception is sound recordings, where the rules are the same but the symbol is (℗) which stands for Phonogram. Using the Phonogram symbol is indeed recommended when distributing recorded material which is protected by copyright law, such as when you submit a recording of your original musical composition to a producer for consideration or advice. The registration is needed is when you want to secure distribution rights, such as when you record a full album or when you make prints of your original artwork for sale or even as promotional material. When you register your copyright through the U. S. Copyright Office, you are protecting yourself against violation of your copyright by securing the rights to file a lawsuit for copyright infringement. It also provides you with proof of copyright, so that no one can claim that you have infringed on someone else’s copyright by presenting copies of their works. It also protects against copying abroad because the U. S. Customs Service has the power to stop the import of goods that infringe upon U. S. copyrights. However, if you are just creating a work of intellectual property for private use or exhibition, or if it is a preliminary work that needs to be refined, such as a first draft of a novel or first performance of a musical work, there is usually no need to register your copyright. Simply writing the © or ℗ symbol on any surface of the work or on its packaging, such as on the back of a canvas or on a CD-ROM or DVD, will suffice in most cases until mass distribution is being considered. Contacting an attorney who specializes in intellectual property rights is the best way to clear up any misunderstandings regarding copyright law, as well as to obtain advice regarding how, when, and why to register. Aurelia Mitchell Durant, Esquire IS YOUR BRAND PROTECTED? www.ismybrandprotected.com info@ismybrandprotected.com 800-997-1220 If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Aurelia Mitchell Durant
Intellectual Property/Corporate Law Attorney, The AMD Group Rutgers Univ class of 1999 Member Since May 2011 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
Atlanta Bred Duo THE BUCKHEAD BOYZ Release Smooth New Single "Replay"@BUCKHEADBOYZ
#BUCKHEADBOYZ
SOCIAL MEDIA
www.BuckheadBoyz.com
Facebook / IG / YouTube / Twitter: BUCKHEAD BOYZ
TikTok: BUCKHEADBOYZ
STREAMING as “BUCKHEAD BOYZ” on Spotify / Amazon Music ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 20 Views • February 7th, 2026 |
 |
Preciate dhat: Diddy's Super Bowl Blog Pt. 2, Live From The Clear Port! (A Message To The Giants and Pats Fans)Trips to the happiest sporting event of the Winter in our USA
Again and Again
No Bad Bunny without Bleeereeppppppp ...more
How May I Help You NC • 10 Views • February 7th, 2026 |
 |
What to Write in Valentine’s Day Cards for Professional RelationshipsValentine’s isn’t just for crushes—show love to your mentors, classmates, and professional connections too! Grab free e-cards to pair with your note at https://www.pinterest.com/shykerialifleur/valent ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 44 Views • February 7th, 2026 |
 |
What does “verified” mean on an Airbnb account?On an Airbnb account, “verified” means that Airbnb has confirmed the identity or information of the user. This can include:
Email verification – confirming your email address.
Phone number verif ...more
Harry Canee • 72 Views • February 3rd, 2026 |
 |
2026 honors and Deans ListHonored to be recognized on the 2026 Honors List and Dean’s List. Grateful for the journey and excited to keep pushing forward ...more
Camren Caldwell • 78 Views • February 2nd, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,795,613 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,125 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,664 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,418 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
