What is copyright law?
Copyright law is a form of intellectual property law which protects the work of authors, artists, and other creators. It grants the creator exclusive rights to the work they create, meaning they are the only ones who can make copies, distribute, display, perform, or otherwise use it. In Washington, any work that is original and fixed in a tangible form is eligible for copyright protection. This includes songs, books, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and more. If a creator wishes to protect their work with copyright, they must register it with the U.S. Copyright Office. Once a work is registered, the registration provides the creator with legal recourse if their work is stolen or infringed upon. Copyright laws also protect works from being edited, modified, or adapted without permission from the creator. They provide creators with the assurance that their work will remain as they intended it and only with their permission. Copyright laws vary in each state, so it’s important to understand the laws in Washington before claiming and protecting your work.
Related FAQs
What is intellectual property law?How do I register a domain name?
What is the role of a patent attorney?
How long does it take to obtain a patent?
What is the purpose of the TRIPS Agreement?
What are the benefits of registering a trademark?
What is the difference between copyright and design protection?
What rights does a patent owner have?
How do I design a trademark that is distinctive?
How can I enforce my intellectual property rights if I am based outside the US?
Related Blog Posts
The Supreme Court’s Role in Intellectual Property Law - July 31, 2023Benefits of Protecting Intellectual Property Rights - August 7, 2023
Understanding Trademark Law Basics - August 14, 2023
What is the Difference Between a Patent, a Trademark and a Copyright? - August 21, 2023
How Can an Intellectual Property Lawyer Help Your Business? - August 28, 2023