Copyright Basics
What is Fair Use?
Last Updated: June 2, 2025Fair Use (17 U.S.C. § 107) Fair Use is not infringement. Congress determined that certain uses of a copyrighted work should be...
What are a Copyright Owner’s Rights?
Last Updated: May 28, 2025EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS 17 U.S.C. § 106 Subject to certain limitations, a copyright owner has the following exclusive rights: REPRODUCE DERIVE DISTRIBUTE PERFORM ...
Who Owns the Copyright?
Last Updated: May 28, 2025U.S. copyright law grants certain rights regarding original works. So, who owns those rights? 17 U.S.C. § 201 grants ownership of copyright...
When is an Original Work Protected by Copyright?
Last Updated: May 28, 2025A work is protected from CREATION until Individual/Joint Work 75 years after the author or last surviving author’s death Anonymous/Pseudonymous/Work for Hire...
What Receives Copyright Protection?
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Protected Works Copyright law protects “[O]riginal works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression.” 17 U.S.C. § 102. The statute...
Where Does Copyright Come From?
Last Updated: May 28, 2025Authorized by the U.S. Constitution The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to protect intellectual property. The Constitution provides: “The Congress shall...
