Can copyright law protect me from someone using my artwork without permission?

Yes, copyright law can protect you from someone using your artwork without permission. In California, copyright protection is extended to original works of authorship that are fixed in tangible media of expression. Artwork would qualify for copyright protection under the law. You don’t have to register your artwork with the Copyright Office to receive copyright protection, though registration does give you additional benefits in terms of proving your ownership and seeking potential remedies from someone who uses your artwork without permission. Under copyright law, you own the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display your artwork, as well as the right to create derivative works. Someone who uses your artwork in any of these ways without your permission is infringing your copyright and committing a crime. Depending on the way they use it, they might also be liable for damages. Copyright law also allows you to protect any of your work that someone might use in an attempt to pass it off as their own. This can include things like a logo, website design, or any other visual element that you produce. In summary, copyright law does offer protection for your artwork when someone uses it without your permission. Copyright registration can provide further protection and benefits, though even without registration you still have rights to enforce when it comes to protecting your work from unauthorized use.

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