Copyright info

A copyright is the expression of an idea. It is established when the expression (i.e.
product) is fixed by the author on some acceptable medium. No governmental
action is required. Unlike patents, companies can be authors.

A copyright gives the author the exclusive right to reproduce, adapt, publicize,
perform, and display the creative work. Infringement occurs when any of these
rights are violated.

No, registration is not required because a copyright is created when the
expression is fixed by the author on some acceptable medium.

Yes, Federal registration has advantages particularly when dealing with remedies
to copyright infringement. Statutory damages are available to registered copyright
owners even if actual damages can’t be proved. These statutory damages can
range from $200 to $100,000 per infringement. Attorney fees are also available
under the Copyright Act. Probably the most important characteristic of registration
is that, if the work was created in the U.S., the author cannot bring an infringement
action until the work is registered.

The current fee charged by the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress is $55
per work or collection of works.

A copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years UNLESS the work is a
work-for-hire then it is the shorter of 95 years from publication or 120 years from
creation.