The US Copyright Law: An Overview

When a writer or artist has finished creating their work, copyright laws automatically protect it from being reproduced or distributed by other people without the owner's permission. Since the conception of the first US Copyright Law back in 1790, it has evolved and been amended to adapt and adjust to the ever-changing needs of writers and artists. Today, the US Copyright Act of 1976 has widened its scope to protect other works of literature and art, such as novels, music, movies, poems, paintings, photographs, and a lot more. Anything owner's idea that became tangible after are automatically protected under the copyright law.

Since copyright is a concept from the umbrella of intellectual property, it mainly differs from other concepts that have legal entitlements, such as patents and trademarks. Unlike these two, a copyright doesn't have to entail registering his/her work of literature/art, although it is recommended as well. As soon as the owner's work is finished, the owner is given the exclusivity of putting the name on his/her work and distributing it to the market. The copyright law will only cover the expression of an owner's concept, and not the idea pertaining to such (although ideas can be protected thru patents).

What can an owner do with his copyright? With copyright protection, he is entitled to make money out of his work. A book, for example, can be reproduced and sold to millions, ultimately earning royalty fees for the writer. A producer may charge people to see his movie on theaters. A renowned painter may put a very high price on his painting and place it on a public auction. However, if somebody is caught reproducing or distributing somebody else's work without his/her expressed consent, that person can be charged of counterfeiting.

Today's Internet era has enabled a new generation of artists who creates digital works such as music and software and sell their works online. These people now have a better opportunity to earn more from their works due to the bigger audience offered by the Internet. It's worth noting that the same principles of US Copyright law applies to these digital works, and violation of copyright from these digital works are still punishable under applicable laws.

If you're in creative arts, it's very helpful to be knowledgeable in US copyright laws. Knowing it may help you pursue a claim against the counterfeiter if you think your copyright has been violated. If you need help in filing a copyright violation lawsuit, a copyright lawyer may help you discuss your options on pursuing it.