What is a Copyright used for?
Copyright protects the writings of an author against copying. The copyright goes to the form of expression rather than to the subject matter of the writing. For example, a description of a machine could be copyrighted as a writing, but this would only prevent others from copying the description. It would not prevent others from writing a description of their own or from making and using the machine. back to top
Can titles, names, short phrases and slogans be copyrighted?
No. Titles, names, short phrases and slogans cannot be copyrighted. However, these may be trademarks. back to top
What is “Fair Use” of a Copyrighted Work?
Copyrighted Works can be "fairly used" without fear of copyright infringement for such purposes as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. back to top
How long does copyright protection last?
For works prior to 1978, copyright protection lasts for the author's lifetime plus 50 years after the author's death. However, if the copyright is a "work made for hire", the copyright lasts for the shorter of 75 years from date of publication, or 100 years from the date of creation. For works after 1978, copyright protection lasts for the author's lifetime plus an additional 70 years. However, if the copyright is a "work made for hire", the copyright lasts for the shorter of 95 years from date of publication, or 120 years from the date of creation, whichever expires first. back to top
What is a work made for hire?
Although the general rule is that the person who creates the work is its author, there is an exception when the work is prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment, or a work specially ordered or commissioned in certain specified circumstances, which can be a work made for hire. When a work qualifies as a work made for hire, the employer, or commissioning party, is considered to be the author and the owner of the copyright. back to top
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