Copyrights

Copyright is the legal right granted to an author, composer, playwright, publisher, or distributor to exclusive publication, production, sale, or distribution of a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work. A copyright applies to the expression of an idea, whether published or not. Once an original work is created and fixed, copyright exists.

Copyright examples include: books, poetry, plays, computer programs, databases, articles, musical compositions (words and/or music), audio and video recordings, choreographic works, pantomimes, motion pictures, filmstrips, TV programs, photographs, paintings, drawings, prints, maps, architectural plans, scale models, sculpture, craft works, jewelry designs and fabric designs.

Copyright Terms: A copyright typically lasts for life of the author plus 70 years. The copyright for certain works, including those created for an employer, lasts 120 years from creation or 95 years from publication, whichever occurs first.