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

A copyright notice is a statement of legal protection for original works of authorship. It serves as a warning to others that the work is protected under US copyright law. In Oklahoma, the use of a copyright notice is voluntary and not required for basic copyright protection. However, it is recommended to include the copyright notice for any original works that you want to protect. The notice should include the copyright symbol, the year of first publication, and the name of the copyright owner. For example, if a work is published in 2021 and the copyright holder is John Smith, the notice should read “© 2021 John Smith.” Including a copyright notice is especially important when publishing an original work online. Many websites have terms of use that require a copyright notice when published material is being used. It is also important to include a copyright notice when entering into a contract with another party or publishing an original work in printed form. A copyright notice can help deter potential infringers from using the work without permission. If a copyright infringement does occur, then the copyright holder has a greater chance of enforcing their rights. Even if they don’t pursue legal action, they can use the copyright notice to demand that the unauthorized use of the work cease.

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

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