What is a copyright notice and when should I use it?

A copyright notice is a notice that is placed on a work to inform people that it is protected by copyright law. It usually consists of the word “Copyright” or an abbreviation for it (such as “©” or “Copr.”) followed by the year of first publication and the name of the copyright owner. For example, an author might place a copyright notice on a book that reads “Copyright 2020 John Smith.” In California, you should use a copyright notice on any original work that you create. This includes literary works such as books, plays, and web content; artistic works such as paintings, photographs, and sculptures; audio recordings such as music and podcasts; and video recordings such as films and TV shows. It is important to use a copyright notice because it informs others that your work is protected by copyright law and gives them legal notice of your ownership. In California, you do not need to register your work with the Copyright Office or have a copyright notice before you can bring a copyright infringement lawsuit, but it is recommended that you include one. This will help to deter potential infringers and make it easier to prove your copyright ownership in court.

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What is a copyright notice and when should I use it?

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