Copyright protection is a very hot topic nowadays. It appears that every time we open the newspaper there is another story on it. Turn on the radio and a popular actor or artist is supporting the importance of it. From Limewire and file sharing controversies to feature film duplication, copyright is in every place. In this article we will define copyright and as an overview, look at the reasons why creative individuals would copyright their work and list types of work that can be copyrighted.

Copyright basics

Copyright is a set of exclusive rights regulating the use of a particular demonstration of a concept or information. In its broadest sense, it is actually "the right to copy" an original creation. Usually, these rights are of fixed time. The mark for copyright is , and in some regions may alternatively be typed as either (c) or (C).

What does it protect

Copyright may protect a range of creative, academic, or artistic forms or "works". These include poems, theses, theatrical plays, and other literary works, movies, choreographic works (dances, ballets, etc.), musical compositions, audio recordings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, software, radio and television performances of live and other broadcasts, and, in some areas, industrial designs. Designs or industrial designs may have separate or interlocking laws applied to them in some jurisdictions. Copyright is one of the laws covered by the greater term 'intellectual property'.

What is not protected by copyright

Copyright law covers only the unique form or manner in which ideas or information have been created, the "form of material expression". It is not designed or intended to cover the actual idea, concepts, facts, styles, or methods which may be demonstrated by the copyright work.

For example, the copyright for the Donald Duck cartoon denies unapproved persons from distributing copies of the cartoon or creating derivative works which mimic the Donald Duck cartoon.

But it does not prevent anyone from creating a cartoon duck. As long as it is different enough from Donald Duck. Other laws may demand legal constraints on production or use where copyright doesn't. That's when trademarks and patents can be applied.

How long is your copyright?

Copyright has a variety of time periods in different regions, with different categories of works and the length it is in existence for also depends on whether your work is published or unpublished. In most areas the default term of copyright for many works is life of the author plus 50 years. The copyright always expires at the end of the year concerned, rather than on the specific date of the death of the author.

Public domain: after your copyright ends

So when is a book is in the public domain? In the states, all books and other items published before 1923 have expired copyrights and are in the public domain, and all works created by the U.s. government, regardless of date, enter the public domain upon their creation.

But if the intended use of the book includes publication (or distribution of a film based on the book) outside the United states, the arrangement of copyright around the world must be studied.

If the author has been deceased more than 70 years, the work is in the public domain in most regions.

Can you transfer your copyright

Under the United states Copyright Act, if you want to transfer ownership of your copyright it must be transferred in writing. No special transfer paperwork is required. A simple document that identifies the work involved and the rights being conceded is acceptable.

Non-exclusive grants (often called non-exclusive licenses) need not be in writing under U.s. law. A non-exclusive grant is when you allow someone to utilize your work by giving them your allowance. For example, you allow a writer to include a paragraph of your book in his work. Your allowance can be oral or even implied based on the behavior of all the parties involved.

Transfers of copyright ownership, including exclusive licenses should be formally entered in the U.S. Copyright Office. While recording is not required to make the grant effective, it offers important benefits, just like you would get from registering a real estate deed when you buy a home.

Take action!

You can download the paperwork yourself from the US Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov. This is the least costly option around, at the time of this writing the US Copyright Office frequently charges $30 per submission. You will need to settle on the right form for your work type, but the Copyright Office does a fairly good job of organizing their forms so users can find what they need. Browse through their online Circulars for guidance on how to fill out the forms and what materials you will need to send in. With a little investigation and work you can do it all yourself. If you need additional guidance there are many commercial websites that will assist.