What is Copyright?
Copyright Definition
Copyright is a type of legal protection that gives creators the exclusive right to control how their original work is used. This applies to creations like books, music, movies, artwork, and even computer software.
This means that others cannot copy, share, or use your work without permission, except in certain situations like fair use; like education, news, or criticism. Copyright does not last forever; in the U.S., it generally lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus 70 years. After that, the work becomes part of the public domain, meaning anyone can use it freely.
Copyright helps protect creativity while also ensuring that, over time, knowledge and art become available for everyone to enjoy.
When is Work Copyrighted?
Copyright protects work as soon as it is recorded in tangible form. Such as writing it down, saving it on a computer, or filming it. The work is automatically protected by copyright.
Although original work receives automatic protection, copyright registration enhances your rights. By registering, you create a public record that copyright law protects your work and that you are the owner.
What is Eligible for Copyright?
Copyright helps individuals or companies protect their work. But not everything falls under the protection of copyright. Here, we list items that can and cannot be copyrighted.
Copyrightable
– Books
– Plays
– Music
– Movies
Not Copyrightable
– Titles, names, short phrases, slogans
– Ideas
– Unfixed works
– Useful articles (clothing, lamps, sinks)
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Learn More about Protecting your Copyrights
If you would like to learn more about Copyrights and how to protect them, please call (312) 236-8500. There, you can speak with one of our team members. They can discuss your needs in more detail and can answer questions you may have. To send us a message instead, please fill out the form found on this page, and we will contact you as soon as possible.
How Copyright Protects Your Work
Copyright gives you the exclusive right to decide how others use your work. Meaning, when you create something original, like a book, song, painting, or video, it automatically belongs to you. Others cannot copy, sell, or share it without your permission.
If someone uses your work without approval, you have the right to take action. Such as asking them to stop or taking legal action. Copyright also allows you to make money from your creations by licensing or selling the rights. In short, copyright helps protect your creative efforts and ensures you get credit and control over what you make.
Copyright and Other Intellectual Property
The spectrum of intellectual property comprises works or ideas that are shareable and allow others to recreate, emulate, or manufacture them. Understanding the different types of IP can help ensure the protection of all your ideas, designs, innovations, and creativity. Aside from copyright, other intellectual property includes:
Patents
Examples of Patents
- Telephone
- GPS
- IPhone
- Lego
Trademarks
Examples of Trademarks
- The McDonald’s golden arches
- Coca-Cola’s stylized lettering
- Under Armour
- “America runs on Dunkin’”
Trade Secrets
Examples of Trade Secrets
- Google’s search algorithm
- Listerine
- WD-40
- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Cost of Registering Copyright
The costs for registering your copyright vary depending on what and how you are copyrighting your work. There are a variety of fees that apply when registering, they can range from $45-$500.
Learn more about the U.S. Copyright Office Fees.
In Conclusion
Copyright plays a vital role in protecting your creative work. It gives you the legal right to control how your work is used, ensuring you receive credit and benefit from your efforts. While copyright protection happens automatically when creating something original, registering your copyright adds an extra layer of security. Making it easier to prove your ownership and take legal action if someone uses your work without your permission.
By understanding and using copyright protections, you can safeguard your creative projects, share them with confidence, and explore new opportunities to earn from your work. Whether you’re a writer, musician, artist, or creator of any kind, copyright is a valuable tool to protect and promote your ideas.
Why Work with Cook Alex?
In a world where information is a click away, protecting your creations and other intellectual property is critical. Technology and business evolve quickly, and we understand the importance of protecting your ideas. Cook Alex focuses on providing clients with a full range of intellectual property and technology-related legal services. We provide clients with a depth and breadth of technical, legal and industry knowledge. To transform your thoughts, ideas, and creativity into competitive advantages.
Our team offers hundreds of years of collective experience in protecting intellectual property. We help you protect patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets to maximize their potential and value.
Who We Serve
Cook Alex’s intellectual property law firm serves from two locations in Chicago and Naperville. Allowing us to meet the needs of a variety of clients and industries. Our firm has successfully represented inventors, start-ups, research institutions, foundations, universities, established businesses, and Fortune 500 Companies.
In Chicago, we help clients gain an edge in competitive markets by providing comprehensive, personalized services that ensure complete protection of their intellectual property. In competitive markets, you do not want to take any chances when protecting your innovations and ideas.
Naperville is a seat of innovation with many companies and industries. We help our clients protect their intellectual property to gain an advantage to ensure success and growth.
While we are in Illinois, we serve clients all around the globe to help them manage their assets and maximize their portfolios.
You can trust us to handle all your intellectual property needs.
Contact Us Today!
For more information about how we can help you protect your copyright and all other intellectual property, please call (312) 236-8500. Where one of our representatives can provide more information regarding our services and can answer questions you may have. Or send us a message by filling out the form found on this page, and we will contact you as soon as possible.