Sound recording vs. musical composition in copyright law?

Copyright for an audio recording is different from a musical composition. A composition is words and musical notation, while a recording is a form of performance. To register for copyright, a Performing Arts Copyright Form must be submitted. The distinction is important for payment and reproduction rights. Notable musicians have written music without performing it, […]

What’s a copyright trap?

Copyright traps are false information intentionally placed in reference works to detect plagiarism. Maps and dictionaries have used them, and bloggers can use unique phrases to identify plagiarists. Fictitious rumors can be humorous, but can also be taken seriously. A copyright trap is incorrect or strange information that is placed in a reference work so […]

Report copyright infringement.

To report copyright infringement, contact a copyright attorney who can help determine if you have a case, establish ownership, investigate infringement, and take legal action. Cease and desist orders are common, and if the infringer does not comply, a civil lawsuit can be filed for damages and to stop the use of copyrighted material. If […]

Copyright process: what’s involved?

The copyright process requires a completed application form, filing fee, and a copy of the work. Online forms are preferred, offering lower fees, faster processing, and the ability to track status and upload copies. Specific requirements apply to different types of work, and the process ends with a certificate of registration. The copyright process involves […]

Copyright search: How to?

Searching for copyright is easy, using government websites or private companies. Copyright protects art and varies by country. In the US, the Copyright Office website offers a simple search function. Private companies may assist with registration. Online searches are usually quickest and easiest. Carrying out a copyright search is quite simple, although this may depend […]

What’s copyright infringement?

Copyright is legal protection for original artistic or intellectual property. It varies from country to country, but is designed to protect an author’s right to profit from their work. In the US, copyright automatically exists on creation, but registration is recommended. Punishments for infringement vary, and examples include downloading music illegally. The Berne Convention provides […]

Copyright infringement penalties?

Copyright infringement can result in penalties such as forfeiture of illegal copies and paying damages to the owner. The creator of an original work is automatically entitled to the copyright, but registration can help protect those rights. Violations can include copying or distributing without permission, and penalties may include seizure of infringing items and payment […]

What’s a Copyright Office?

A copyright office registers and protects copyrighted works, with archives used to store copyrighted material and information. People go to the office to register their work and prove its originality. The office maintains archives to trace ownership and determine when works are orphaned. Historians can use the archives to discover lost works and explore trends […]

Copyright vs. Plagiarism: What’s the difference?

Copyright infringement and plagiarism are not the same thing. Copyright infringement is the unauthorized use of someone’s creation, while plagiarism is the unauthorized use of someone’s words. Copyright infringement is protected by law, while plagiarism is more of an ethical issue. It is possible to plagiarize without infringing copyright, but the two can overlap. While […]

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