What is a Copyright?

Posted on by Accel Admin

What is a Copyright?

A copyright is a form of intellectual property protection, available for original works in a tangible form. Regardless if these original works are published or not, a copyright gives the author of a work exclusive rights. This means that the original author or creator has the exclusive right to sell, reproduce, or publish his or her original work.

What Rights Does a Copyright Owner Have?

The primary goal of a copyright is to protect the time, effort and creativity that the original creator put into the work. As a result, some rights that a copyright owner may have include:

  • The exclusive right to reproduce the work;
  • The exclusive right to produce derivative works – or works that are based on the original product;
  • The exclusive right to sell, lease or otherwise transfer ownership of the work to another;
  • The exclusive right to perform the work publicly, if applicable;
  • The exclusive right to display the work publicly; and
  • The exclusive right to authorize another person to perform any of the aforementioned acts.

How Do I Register my Copyright?

While it may not be necessary to register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office, it can be beneficial for the owner. Registering a copyright provided a public record for the copyright claim. In addition, it may be necessary to have the have a copyright registered if you seek to file an infringement lawsuit.

Do I Need an Attorney to Help Me With My Copyright?

Copyright law can be quite complicated. It may be a good idea to consult with an attorney about your copyright. An experienced intellectual property/copyright attorney can help you understand your rights and even guide you through the copyright process.

Our firm has over 25 years of experience helping clients through tough times. If you need assistance with any intellectual property, traffic violations, or business law matters, our firm is here to help. It is critical that you pick the right attorney who can protect your rights. Contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC for a consultation.