COPYRIGHT MYTHS

MYTH #1: A work must be published to be copyrighted.

Wrong. Unpublished works are protected by current copyright laws. But a work must be "fixed" to be copyrighted.

("Fixed" means a work can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.)

(Ideas, facts, titles, and short phrases cannot be copyrighted.)

MYTH #2: You must register your work with the Copyright Office or the Library of Congress to have copyright protection.

Wrong. Under current copyright law no registration is required. Works are afforded copyright protection automatically at the moment of their fixed creation (e.g., one they are written down or recorded). Note: registration is recommended, however, as it makes it easier for the copyright holder to prove and win cases and claims of infringement against the work.

MYTH #3: The Copyright Office must give the authority to put a (c) symbol on copyrighted works.

Wrong. A work is not required to have a (c) symbol to be covered under copyright. A (c) symbol does, however, put users of that work on notice that they have copyrighted materials in their hands, and it makes it easier for the copyright holder to prove and win cases and claims of infringement against the work.

The suggested format includes (1) the (c) symbol, the word copyright, or the abbreviation copr.; (2) the year of publication; and (3) the name of the copyright holder. Examples:

(c) 2000 by Jim Robertson
Copyright 2000 Steven Smith
Copr. 2000 by John Doe

Permission from the government is not required to use the (c) notice. Feel free to put a copyright notice on any work you create (remembering that, under work-for-hire, the copyright for anything you create at the university may be held by the university itself).