International Copyrights

I have been receiving quite a few questions on Copyrights lately especially from the International arenas. Intellectual Property is one of my favorite subjects. Therefore, I would like to share some information and also ask if readers would share their country’s official government Patent and Copyright websites so to form a database of links. Two of the most common questions I have received are: 

Will my copyright protect me overseas?

·         There is no such thing as an “international copyright” that will automatically protect an author’s works in countries around the world.

·          Copyright protection is “territorial” in nature, which means that copyright protection depends on the national laws where protection is sought. 

·         Follow the link for a listing of Countries that have entered into International Agreements http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ShowResults.jsp?country_id=ALL&start_year=ANY&end_year=ANY&search_what=C&treaty_id=16  

 

How can I secure a copyright in the United States?

 

·         You do not have to register your work before you can claim Copyright.  No publication, registration or other action in the US Copyright Office is required to secure a Copyright.

·         A Copyright is automatically secured when a work is created.

·         A work is created when it is fixed in a copy or phonorecord for the first time.

·         Registration is necessary before an infringement suit may be filed in court (for works of U. S. origin).

·         Filing in the USA is not difficult. http://www.copyright.gov/

·         http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/copyright/copyrightrefresher.htm

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