Copyright Law
A copyright protects works of authorship.
A copyright also grants creators exclusive rights to their original works, usually for a limited time. This legal protection allows authors to receive compensation for their intellectual efforts and applies to various forms of creative expression, including literary works, music, art, films, software, and more. Ensuring creators can monetize their work and retain control over how it is used, encourages innovation and creativity.
Under copyright law, creators typically have the exclusive right to reproduce their work, prepare derivative works, distribute copies, and publicly perform or display their creations. These rights are subject to certain limitations and exceptions designed to balance the interest of creators with those of the public. For example, fair use provisions allow for limited use of copyrighted material without permission in specific context, such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.
How long does copyright registration take?
The processing time for registration applications submitted online to the U.S. Copyright Office (USCO) usually ranges from several months to over a year, depending on the USCO’s workload. Although registration is not mandatory for protection, registering your work provides significant advantages, including the ability to file a lawsuit for infringement and eligibility for receive compensation.
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How long does protection last?
For works created after January 1, 1978, protection generally lasts for the author’s life plus 70 years. For corporate authors, anonymous works, or works made for hire, protection lasts for 95 years from the date of publication or 120 years from the date of creation, whichever is shorter.
How much does it cost to register a copyright?
At Madan Law PLLC, we believe in transparent pricing to instill confidence in our clients. Our flat fee for copyright registration services is competitively priced, with no hidden fees. Contact us to schedule a free 20-minute consultation today!