What is the scope of copyright protection?
Copyright protection applies to any original work of authorship fixed in a tangible medium. These works can be books, music, paintings, sculptures, photographs, films, and other creative works. In New Hampshire, copyright protection exists for as long as the life of the author plus 70 years. This means that anyone who creates an original work of authorship can expect to enjoy the benefits of copyright for a period of at least 70 years past their lifetime. Copyright protection in New Hampshire does not just cover physical works, however. Software, databases, choreography, broadcasts, and other intangible works of authorship are also eligible for copyright protection. Copyright extends to cover both the literal expression of the idea and the idea itself, as long as the idea hasn’t been previously expressed. In other words, copyright prevents others from copying your idea while also protecting the specific expression of that idea. For example, a novel about a young wizard would be subject to copyright protection. However, the idea of a young wizard story isn’t protected, since that idea has been used many times before. So even if someone else wrote a novel with a similar plot, the author of the first novel would still have exclusive rights to the wording and other original elements of the work. It is important to note that copyright protection in New Hampshire does not cover facts or ideas. Ideas can be patented, trademarks can claim exclusive rights to logos, and industrial designs can be protected, but copyright only covers the expression of ideas.
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