Intellectual Property
Protect your work from copycats. Learn the difference between trademarks, copyrights, and patents so you can safeguard your intellectual property.
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When and Where to Use a Copyright Notice
Protect your work by letting others know you own it and who they need to contact for permission to use it. It's easier than you might think.
· 3 min read
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How to Copyright a Graphic Design
To receive full legal protection for your graphic design, it must be registered as a copyright.
· 3 min read
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Copyleft vs. Copyright
Copyleft is a kind of software license used by copyright owners. Get the details on how this licensing works and what rights it conveys.
· 3 min read
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How to Copyright a Website
Because your company's website has value, it merits legal protection against infringement, which can only be achieved by filing an application to register a copyright.
· 3 min read
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How to Copyright a Dance
A dance is considered a creative work that can be copyrighted if it's a coherent whole and not just individual moves—so if you're a dancer or choreographer, be sure to protect your work.
· 3 min read
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How Long Does a Copyright Last?
There are a lot of complicated parts to copyright law; determining how long a copyright lasts is not one of them. It doesn't matter if you create computer code, abstract sculpture or technical writing: the terms of copyrights are all the same. With three simple facts, you will be able to know how long a copyright will last.
· 3 min read
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Video Games and Copyright Infringement
Video game piracy is estimated to cost the video game industry millions of dollars every year. Enforcing these rights is a never-ending battle. Here we discuss some of the industry's anti-piracy efforts—and successes—over the past year.
· 3 min read
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How Do I Use the Copyright Symbol?
Learn how to use the copyright symbol on your works, such as websites, books, and photographs.
· 3 min read
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Appropriating Copyrighted Works: When Is It Legal?
When an artist uses a copyrighted work and creates something new, it can fall under a fair use exception in the law.
· 4 min read
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Copyright Submission Guidelines
When you register work with the Copyright Office, you submit a deposit—one or more copies of the work—along with the application. Usually, if the work has been published in physical form (e.g., a book, printed flyer, CD, or poster), the Copyright Office requires two physical copies. If the work is unpublished or only available online, the Copyright Office accepts electronic materials.
· 3 min read
