How can I tell if a work is protected by copyright?

When it comes to copyright law in Delaware, it’s important to understand how to determine if a work is protected by copyright. Generally, copyright protection applies to any form of creative expression that is fixed in a tangible form. This includes books, music, art, videos, photographs, software, and more. A work can be protected by copyright even if it doesn’t have a copyright symbol or statement attached. Generally, the law assumes that an original work is protected by copyright. Additionally, you can use the US Copyright Office’s search function to find out if a work is registered with copyright. This may be helpful if you’re unsure if a work is registered with copyright but you know the author’s name. Copyrights do not have to be renewed after a certain time period; a work can be protected by copyright for the entire life of the author plus 70 years. If the work was created by an organization or corporation, the copyright protection lasts for 95 years. After the copyright has expired, the work becomes part of the public domain, meaning anyone can use or distribute it without permission. If you’re unsure if a work is protected by copyright, it is best to assume that it is and seek permission from the copyright holder before using it. Although copyright law may seem complicated, the best way to protect yourself is to become more familiar with the law and understand when permission is needed to use someone else’s work.

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