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Copyright Protection
What does a copyright protect?
Copyright law protects creative expression, not fact or idea. Expression may be found in product design, written expression, and traditional artistic works.
Copyright law prevents copying of expression. Facts and ideas are not protectable under copyright law.
How long is a copyright valid?
The duration of a copyright depends on when the author acquired the copyright. Currently, the duration for individuals is life of the author plus 50 years or alternatively 75 years, whichever is longer. If a company is the author, duration is 75 years.
What type of protection does a copyright give?
Copyright laws protect against copying. The copying does not need to be exact for infringement to be found. A substantial similarity is enough. Independent development is a defense.
What is the geographic scope of protection of a copyright?
Treaties provide for substantially worldwide protection.
What is proper notice?
Notice has three parts. First, a word, abbreviation, or symbol designating copyright (copyright, cprt, or �). Next, the name of the author. Finally, the year in which the work was completed. Multiple years indicate multiple years of completion (i.e. continuing editing). Use of the words "All rights reserved" provides protection in a couple South American countries.
Can a company be considered the author?
A company can be considered the author of works done within the scope of an employee's duties. A company under certain circumstances can be considered the author of works of independent contractors. Companies can also become the owner of copyrights through assignments.
About the Author:
N. Paul Friederichs, founder, started practice as a patent attorney in 1992 at a major Minneapolis, Minnesota law firm where he was the highest performing associate. In 1993, he started and developed Friederichs Law Firm with his father. Throughout this time Paul�s experience was heavily weighted toward litigation. He served such clients as Tonka Toys, American Harvest and Boston Medical.
He can be reached at http://www.angenehm.com/