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Simple English definitions for legal terms
copyright
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A quick definition of copyright:
Copyright is a legal right that gives the creator of a work the exclusive ability to make copies, publish, sell, or distribute their work. This includes things like books, music, movies, and software. Copyright protection exists for original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible medium of expression. This means that the work must be written down or recorded in some way. Copyright owners have the right to control how their work is used, but there are limitations to this right, such as fair use. Copyright registration is voluntary, but it can be helpful in protecting your work.
A more thorough explanation:
Copyright is a legal right that gives the creator of an original work the exclusive right to control how their work is used and distributed. This includes the right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute the matter and form of something.
For example, if you write a book, you have the exclusive right to control how it is published, sold, and distributed. If someone else wants to use your book, they need to get your permission first.
The U.S. Copyright Act is a federal law that protects the writings of authors. This includes things like books, music, movies, and software. To qualify for copyright protection, a work must be original and fixed in a tangible medium of expression.
Under copyright law, the owner of a copyright has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, license, and to prepare derivative works based on the copyrighted work. However, there are limitations to these exclusive rights, such as the doctrine of "fair use."
Registration of copyright is voluntary, but it is required before an action for copyright infringement can be commenced. Failure to comply with the deposit requirement may result in a civil fine.
Overall, copyright is an important legal right that protects the creative works of authors and gives them control over how their works are used and distributed.