

Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “ Copyright Registration.” Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic? You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. Do I have to register with your office to be protected?

Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. A trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others. Ideas and discoveries are not protected by the copyright law, although the way in which they are expressed may be. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section " What Works Are Protected." How is a copyright different from a patent or a trademark?Ĭopyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed. What does copyright protect?Ĭopyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S.
