Full Description

After putting your time and effort into creating an original work, you should be sure that work is protected from those who may want to steal it. Without a copyright, you could lose the right that the law provides for your work.

How to Register Your Own Copyright gives you detailed information on everything you should know about copyrights—from whether or not your work can be copyrighted to the way to register your copyright with the government. It is important to be sure that you are taking the correct steps to protect your work.

Complete with step-by-step instructions and the forms you need, this book makes registering your work a hassle-free experience.

Table of Contents

Using Self-Help Law Books
-
Introduction -

Chapter 1: Overview of Copyright -
Legal Rights
Limitation on Rights
Intellectual Property
Creation of Rights
Protection of Rights
Notice of Copyright
Mandatory Deposit of Copies

Chapter 2: Works That Can Be Copyrighted
Types of Works
Aspects of the Work Protected

Chapter 3: Works That Cannot Be Copyrighted -
Titles, Names, Mottos, or Slogans
Ideas, Methods, Procedures, and Systems
Plots and Themes
Scènes à Faire
Historical Events
Common Information
Mere Facts
Lists of Ingredients
Blank Forms and Record Books
Government Publications
Laws and Court Opinions
Religious Revelations
Type Faces
Utilitarian Objects

Chapter 4: Works of Others You Can Use
When You Own a Copy of a Work
Works in the Public Domain
Public Performances
Fair Use of Copyrighted Works
Use with Permission
Compulsory License
Sound Recordings Made before February 15, 1972
Playing of Broadcasts
Webcasting
Home Videotaping
Rental of Copyrighted Works
The Right to Publicity
Trademark Rights
Moral Rights
Resale Royalties

Chapter 5: Reasons to Register Your Copyright -
Damages and Attorney’s Fees
Evidence
Correction of Errors
Money

Chapter 6: People Who Claim and Register Copyrights
Heirs
Spouses
Employers
Buyers of Creative Works
Joint Works
Assignees
Minors
Owners of the Work

Chapter 7: Registering Your Copyright
Application Forms
Completing the Forms
Filing Fees
Copies of the Work
Special Deposit Exceptions
Sending It in
Receiving Your Certificate
Expedited Service

Chapter 8: Length of a Copyright -
Works Created after January 1, 1978
Works Created before January 1, 1978

Chapter 9: Protecting Your Copyright
Copyright Notice
Renewal
Corrections

Chapter 10: Transferring a Copyright
Licenses
Assignment
Other Transfers
Recordation
Revocation

Chapter 11: International Copyrights
International Agreements
Bilateral Treaties
Countries Offering No Protection
Unclear Policy
Newly Independent States
Other Treaties
Local Law

Chapter 12: Other Protections -
Licenses
Shrink-Wrap Licenses
Trademark Law
Trade Secrets
Practical Solutions

Chapter 13: Emerging Issues in Copyright
Music
Photographs
Pure Facts
Instructional Materials
International Concerns
Technical Solutions

Glossary -

Appendix A: For Further Information -

Appendix B: Schedule of Copyright Office Fees -

Appendix C: The “Best Edition” of a Literary Work -

Appendix D: Deposit Requirements for a Work of Visual Arts

Appendix E: Copyright Registration for Online Works

Appendix F: International Copyright Relations of the United States

Appendix G: Sample Filled-In Forms

Appendix H: Blank Forms -

Index

Excerpt

Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews: