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

Copyright law is a complex area of law, but there are some basic principles that can help you determine if a work is protected by copyright. In Virginia, copyright protection applies to “original works of authorship” that are fixed in a tangible form. This could include literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic works, or any other work that can be expressed in a tangible form. Copyright protection also includes computer programs, motion pictures, sound recordings, photographs, and more. To determine if a work is protected by copyright, look for a copyright notice. Generally, any published work will display the copyright symbol (©), the year of first publication, and the name of the copyright owner. Even if a work does not have a copyright notice, it may still be protected by copyright. It is also important to consider the date of the work. Copyright protection begins when a work is created and will generally last for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. After that period, the work enters the public domain and is free for anyone to use. Finally, you should also research any permissions or licenses associated with the work. Depending on the type of work and the creator’s wishes, the work may be available for public use under certain circumstances, or the creator may have exclusive rights to the work that prevent others from using it.

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

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