What is a Copyright? Do I Need a Copyright?

Copyright is a type of intellectual property that allows creators of original works to have exclusive rights to their creations. Copyright generally applies to various types of works, including literature, music, film and art.

Copyright laws are designed not only to protect a creator’s intellectual property, but also to provide an incentive for creativity by ensuring that creators can control how their works are used and can benefit financially from them. These laws protect the creator by making it so that someone else cannot reproduce, distribute, perform, display, or adapt of the original work.

Once something is fixed in a tangible form (like written down or recorded), copyrights are automatic. A creator of a work can memorialize their copryright by registering it with the Copyright Office. In the event a copyright holder needs to enforce their rights, having a copyright registration handy ensures a smoother process. While there is not legal requirement to get a copyright registration, you are not able to sue someone for infringement without one. So it is best to to get your copyright registered now, so that if you ever do find someone is stealing your work, you can take quick action against them.