Managing Your Work’s Copyright
Whether you are an artist or starting your own business, your creative work has rights. Though the nature of these rights can be more fully explained by an attorney familiar with licensing law Southfield MI area, you don’t have to do anything to earn or obtain these rights. Here is a quick overview of how to protect your copyright when you are an author.
Use a Notice
Though not legally required, it is best to file a copy work notice for your work through the Registration Portal on the U.S. Copyright Office website. This is important if your work will be distributed to the public.
Understand Longevity
In the past, copyrights would have to be renewed in order to be active. Now, one application provides one term of coverage. This is equal to the life of the author or originator plus another 70 years.
Fix Errors
Check your copyright after is has been issued for errors. Always take action to have the information corrected. There are different methods to fix any issues, and if it was something that the administration should have caught originally, there will be no charge to make the correction. Check to make sure numbers haven’t been transposed or for missing information. If the errors are because of an incomplete application or misinformation, you are responsible for amending the application.
Submit Changes
Throughout the course of your life, you will need to submit information changed to the Copyright Office. File a corrections form if you change your address, your name, or the title of the work. You will also need to record a transfer document if you transfer the ownership of the copyright.
Make Your Mark
You do not have to sign or mark your work in order to be covered by copyright protection. Once it is fixed in a tangible medium, whether saved in a file or printed, you will have specific rights. However, there are many benefits when putting a noted marking or signature that indicates copyright and ownership.