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Copyright Basics -- In GeneralA copyright is extremely easy to obtain. Under federal law, an author need only come up with an original work and then “fix it in a tangible medium of expression.” That’s it — you’ve automatically got a copyright in your new work, and the copyright lasts for your life plus seventy years. But still, the definition is a bit hard to grasp without an example. Take this blog entry: I, the author, wrote this entry (the original work) and then put it into our blog page and clicked publish (fixing it in this tangible medium of expression). I now enjoy the bundle of exclusive rights that go along with a copyright; I have the rights to copy, distribute and perform (assuming it could be performed) this original work. My rights are only subject to the doctrine of “fair use,” which permits others’ limited use of the work for certain beneficial purposes (like research and teaching). 2
Copyright Basics -- More In GeneralThe breadth of copyrightable works is much larger than many people realize. Copyrights can cover not just written works, but include almost all original expressions that are recorded in some tangible form. Publications are obvious examples, but even computer programs, sculptures, films, choreography and almost all works of art. Stepping back for a moment, you start to realize that businesses can produce countless copyrightable works simply by performing their day-to-day operations. For the rest of this article, please visit: http://www.mzclaw.com/blog/2008/12/copyright-basics/ Additional ResourcesFind Divorce LawyersRelated Searches |