Copyright Tips from experts* at CopyrightsNow.com
Common Question:
Does a work have to be ‘Published’ to be copyright protected?
Answer: No. Publication is not necessary for copyright protection.
The definition of ‘Published’ under copyright law is the distribution of copies of a work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending.
While your original writing (published and unpublished) is automatically protected under U. S. copyright law, registering your copyright enables you to enforce your rights by filing a lawsuit for damages and attorney's fees; It also creates a public record and makes it easier to defend your copyright in a court of law.
Advantages of registering ‘Unpublished’
• Your copyright is protected before you publish – providing additional assurance that your work is protected while you submit to 3rd parties and publishers for reviews, etc.
• Simplified Copyright Registration process:
O For Unpublished works, the filing process is fast and easy using a DIY tool like CopyrightsNow… and you can do it on-line without mailing in an actual hardcopy of your work
O You only need to submit one digital copy of the work (typically by uploading a PDF of your manuscript)
O And as a BONUS your copyright registration will also cover you once your work is published*!
Published Works
• For Published works, if the formats are hardcopy only or both electronic and hardcopy formats (i.e., hardcover or paperback) then you need to mail in two complete physical copies of the work in the hard copy format; if the published format is only electronic then you may upload a digital file containing a complete work (i.e., a PDF or approved format)
• Most importantly – the sooner you register your copyrights, the sooner your copyright protection and enforcement begins!
To start your copyright protection, click to learn more about registration NOW!
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* Assuming your published work has the same title and has the same content, same author(s), author contributions, claimant(s) and 3rd party limitations.
The information contained in this post and software application are believed to be accurate at the time of publication; however, copyright regulations change and subject to various interpretations… so always consult with a personal attorney for legal advice.
DISCLAIMERS: Digi-Rights® and CopyrightsNow® are registered trademarks of Digi-Rights Direct LLC CopyrightsNow is not affiliated with the U. S. Copyright Office. Neither Digi-Rights Direct LLC nor its Affiliate Partners or Service Providers are attorneys and we do not provide legal advice regarding copyrights and licensing, and we are not liable for any damages resulting from reliance upon statements and tutorial material.
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