Is copyright protection automatic?

In North Dakota, copyright protection is not automatic. According to the United States Copyright Office, copyright protection is secured by filing an application and paying a fee. The owner of a work also has the opportunity to register their work with the copyright office for additional protection. The act of registering the work with the copyright office puts the public on notice that the work is protected. This allows the owner to bring an infringement lawsuit against someone who copies, distributes, or sells the work without permission. Copyright protection also allows the owner to benefit financially from the work through licensing or selling the copyright. When an owner registers a work with the copyright office, the copyright is valid for the life of the author plus 70 years. After that, the work is considered to be in the public domain, and anyone can use it without permission. Copyright law can be complicated, so if you have questions, it is always a good idea to consult an attorney. An attorney will be able to review the specifics of your situation and provide advice regarding copyright registration and protecting your work.

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