What is A Copyright and Do You Need One?
As an aspiring artist, musician, or author, you’ve probably heard about copyrights but may not know exactly how they are created or how they can be used to protect your work.
Here are some quick, interesting facts about copyrights:
Copyrights are created automatically
This is probably one of the most confusing aspects of copyright law, but works to the benefit of many creatives. Copyright protection is automatic and present from the time of creation.
2. You should still register for a copyright
Seemingly contradictory to the above fact, registration of a copyright affords creators many benefits. For example, you must file an application for registration before you bring suit against a party for copyright infringement in federal court.
3. Copyright protection lasts past your lifetime
The general rule for published works created after January 1, 1978, a copyright lasts for the author’s lifetime plus 70 years. If the copyrighted material is considered "work for hire," for a corporation or LLC, the copyright is valid for 95 years from its first publication or for 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first.
These fast facts just scratch the surface of copyright law, but hopefully they shed some light on whether you need one. If you have any questions or concerns about your works and the copyright process, please don’t hesitate to contact our office for a consultation (214) 814-5123!