Copyright plays an important aspect in safeguarding your creative works and ensuring that your artistic, literary and intellectual creations remain protected from unauthorized use or reproduction. It is an essential consideration for anyone in New York who engages in the creative process.
If you need to protect your creative assets, it is important to understand the copyright process.
Copyright protection
Copyright protection applies to various forms of creative work, including writing, music, art and software that has been originally created. Copyright automatically applies to your work as soon as you create it. This means that as the creator, you have certain exclusive rights to your work such as reproduction and distribution.
Register your copyright
Registering a copyright with the US Copyright Office offers additional protection. To do this, submit an application with details about your work. Once approved, you receive a public record of your copyright. In 2022, individuals submitted 484,589 copyrights.
Keep records
Maintain detailed records of your creative process, including drafts, notes and correspondence related to your work. This documentation can be valuable if you ever need to prove your copyright.
Enforce your copyright
If someone infringes on your copyright, take appropriate action. This may involve sending a cease-and-desist letter or pursuing legal action if necessary.
Copyright protection typically lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. After this period, the work enters the public domain and can be freely used by anyone. However, it is important to stay informed about copyright laws, as they can change over time.
