Not Every Written Word Can Be Copyrighted
By Rosemary Hauschild

A common misconception about copyright protection is that it covers all types of ideas and their expression.

In fact, what can be protected is the description, explanation or illustration chosen by the author to express an idea or system. This expression is what is called “original works of authorship”. (See title 17, section 102 of the U.S. Copyright Code.)

The statute clearly states that ideas and concepts cannot be protected by copyright. In addition, methods or systems are not protected. Section 17 clearly expresses this principle:

Think You Understand Copyright? Think Again!
By Rosemary Hauschild

Every writer, artist, coach, musician, producer and other professional producing original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression knows the importance of the copyright. However, even some of the most basic points of the protection offered by the © symbol are often unknown or misunderstood.

One commonly held misconception is that a “poor man’s copyright” – the practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself – will protect your work. The fact is, there is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.

How Long Does Copyright Last?
By Rosemary Hauschild

One of the most commonly asked questions about copyright protection is how long will the copyright last, once registered and issued by the federal government?

The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several things. The two key factors are whether or not it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication.

As a general rule, for works created after Jan. 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years.