Copyright protection

A copyright legally protects a work from being reproduced, performed, displayed, or otherwise disseminated without the permission of the copyright owner. The copyright owner may license the use of a work to others and receive royalties for each performance or copy that is made.

What rights do I have as a copyright owner?

The rights holder — the person who owns the copyright — has the right to do and/or authorize others to:

• Reproduce the work.
• Prepare derivative works based on the original.
• Distribute copies to the public.
• Perform the work publicly.
• Display the work publicly.

What can be copyrighted?

• Literary works — novels, poetry, newspapers, software.
• Musical works, including any accompanying words — songs, jingles, instrumentals.
• Dramatic works, including any accompanying music — plays, operas, skits.
• Pantomimes and choreographic works — ballads, modern dance, jazz dance.
• Pictorial, graphic and sculptural works — posters, postage stamps, photos, maps, paintings.
• Sound recordings — recordings of music, drama and lectures.
• Motion pictures and other audiovisual works.
• Architectural works — buildings, architectural plans, drawings.
• Vessel hull design.

How long is the term of a copyright?

For works created on or after January 1, 1978: A work is copyrighted for the life of the author plus 70 years.

For pre-1978 works still protected by their original or renewed copyright: The total length of their copyright is extended to 95 years from the date the copyright was originally secured.