Copyright Issues

• What is a copyright?

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  Copyright is just the right to copy or reproduce a created work, such as an image, music, or literature. It is the right of the creator to distribute the original work, or copies thereof.

• How do I obtain a copyright on my work?

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  Copyright on your work is, by US law, immediately applied to that work upon its creation, and its creator, you, is the sole holder of the copyright.

• I thought I had to apply for a copyright?

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  No. That is a misunderstanding of copyright law. One does not apply for a copyright. One registers their copyright with the US Copyright office (or the copyright office in your country). That simply gives the government a record of your claim to copyright on a particular work, especially if it is to be published in some format.

• How do I register a copyright?

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  If you are in the United States, you should visit the Copyright Office's web site, locate and download the appropriate form for your work, print it and send it into the Copyright office.

• What does registering my copyright with the government do for me?

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  If you have a registered copyright with the government, and someone wishes to claim that they hold that copyright, they have the burdon of proof in court of law to prove you are not the copyright holder.
  
  Likewise if you are wishing to challenge someone's misuse of your works, you have the upper hand in a court of law.