Can I copyright characters or story plots I have created?
Yes, you can copyright characters or story plots you have created in Nebraska. Copyright is a form of intellectual property protection that grants exclusive rights to the creator of an original, creative work. In the United States, copyright is granted at the federal level, while the law and regulations that implement the copyright system are established at the state level. In Nebraska, the Copyright Act of 1976 grants creators of original works the exclusive right to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute, perform, display, and license their works. This includes literary, dramatic, musical, choreographic, pictorial, and other works as well as architectural plans. For example, if you create a novel or play, your copyright provides protection for the characters and plot you have created. To receive copyright protection, the work must be in a tangible form. This means that verbal ideas are not eligible for copyright protection in Nebraska. It’s also important to note that copyright protection is limited to original works. Therefore, if someone else has already copyrighted a character, plot, or other aspects similar to yours, then your work is not eligible for copyright protection. You can register a copyright for original works you have created in Nebraska with the U.S. Copyright Office. The cost of registration is usually $45, but there are discounts available for certain types of works. Once your work is registered, your copyright is official and you have the exclusive right to use and benefit from the work in any way you choose.
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