Van Gils Law Firm, Business Services: Copyright Legal Services, Copyright Symbol

The exclusive right to reproduce, publish, or sell an original work of authorship exists from the moment a work is created.  A copyright  protects work that is fixed in a tangible medium such as  a book, photograph, manuscript, musical score, painting or sculpture from unauthorized copying.  Registration is not necessary but provides public notice of the exclusive rights in the work and therefore provides the basis for protecting the copyright in court.  Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in successful litigation. If registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. Additionally, the United States has copyright relations with many other nations where registered U.S. copyrights are honored.  For more information Email our Office.