What is the scope of copyright protection for artwork?

In Mississippi, copyright protection for artwork is broad and covers any original artwork created by an artist. Copyright protection does not require the artwork to be registered with the United States Copyright Office, though registration does provide additional legal benefits for the copyright holder. A copyright holder of an artwork enjoys exclusive rights to reproduce, publicly distribute, display, publicly perform, and create derivative works from the original artwork. Derivative works are derived from the original artwork and may be based on the original work but have a unique purpose or character. Copyright protection of artwork applies to different mediums such as paintings, drawings, photographs, illustrations, sculpture, ceramics, prints, multimedia works, digital art, and interactive works. Copyright holder of these works can also benefit from additional copyright protection, such as moral rights or droit morale. Moral rights protect artists from having their work displayed in ways they do not want or prevent the artists from being associated with a work. Copyright protection is also applicable to artwork that is part of a larger work; for instance, a painting or illustration in a book. The creator of the artwork has exclusive rights to the artwork, while the rights to the book may be owned by a different person. Copyright protection of artwork lasts for the life of the artist, plus an additional 70 years after the death of the artist. After the copyright period expires, the artwork enters the public domain and is accessible to all.

Related FAQs

What is art investment?
How can an artist protect their work from copyright infringement?
What is cultural property law?
What is a ‘backdating’ of copyright?
What is a commissioning agreement?
Who regulates art law?
What are art market forces?
What is a nondisclosure agreement?
How does a royalty agreement work?
What is an infringement of copyright?

What is the scope of copyright protection for artwork?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts