Trademarks are one of those things in life that nearly no one understands, but that just about everyone is unwilling to admit. So I’ll make it easy: Trademarks simply designate a product’s source of origin. If I say "Diet Coke" you probably think of a silver and red aluminum can, or a tall glass of ice filled with dark bubbling beverage. You can probably taste it, too. In any case, the trademark has successfully designated what it is and, and "it" is a particular low-calorie drink from the Coca-Cola Company folks.

Many people seem to think that putting a copyright notice on their work protects their rights. They are only partly right. Registering the copyright is an important step. If you register your copyright before an infringement occurs, you have a great deal more leverage in enforcing your rights.

Question: What does Copyright Law protect?

Copyright Law protects original works of authorship, including artistic and literary works for the life of the creator plus 70 years. This means that the copyright owner has the exclusive right to license, reproduce, perform, and display the work (subject to the “fair use” doctrine discussed below).

There is some confusion with regard to plagiarism and what constitutes fair use online. Some people are so afraid to violate copyright laws, or have their rights to their own intellectual property violated, that they miss great opportunities to see their work expanded.

The blogosphere has its own rules but those rules don’t discount traditional law. Stealing is still stealing, even on the Internet. But allow me to dispel some copyright infringement myths:

As the multi-billion dollar software industry continues to become more and more financially lucrative, some of the more unethical entrepreneurs in America are attempting to get in on the moneymaking action by distributing pirated software. Often carried out online, software piracy can cost the industry millions of dollars in lost revenue, and the offense can carry hefty punitive fines and prison sentences.