When a business just starts out and is in its initial growth stages, the business needs to distinguish itself through the creation of intellectual property rights, or IP rights. IP is useful to a business as IP is generally intangible property that derives value for the business based on its protected status. Patented inventions, copyrighted manuscripts, and trademarked logo designs are all common forms of intellectual property that generate a lot of value for a business.
One of the more frequently overlooked forms of intellectual property protection is copyright protection. It is often overlooked because many people mistakenly believe that the generation of enforceable rights is automatic upon the creation of a creative work, such as a drawing, design, or photograph. While it is true that rights are generated in a creative work the moment that the work is made in a tangible form of expression, it is challenging to prove the exact date that the work was created, and thus the copyright was established, in order to enforce the copyrighted work.
What Can Be Copyrighted?
A copyright is an intellectual property right that can be sought for original works of authorship. These works must be created in a tangible form of expression in order to be registerable. A few examples of common forms of copyrightable materials typically found in business include original creative works such as:
With a little creativity and the right guidance, it is easy to figure out how obtaining copyright protection could be beneficial to your business. Many businesses generate original creative works that contribute value to their business in some way.
Registration of A Copyright
That is why it is important to register copyrighted materials for your business with the United States Copyright Office. Registration is a fairly simply and affordable process that confers a specific copyright registration date to your copyrighted work. This registration date can then be used to enforce your copyright protection. Copyright registration can be made anytime, but it is important to understand the benefits of getting your business-related copyrighted works registered as soon as possible. For instance, a successful copyright infringement lawsuit can lead to statutory damages for the unauthorized use or copying of your registered copyrighted material back to the date of registration, if the infringing action was occurring as far back as that.
At Keystone Scientific, Inc., we make it our goal to help you and your business or development project to reach its full potential. Ask us about how we can help you achieve your goals and solve your project problems. Please feel free to reach out to our team by calling 814-205-3393 or contact us online.
One of the more frequently overlooked forms of intellectual property protection is copyright protection. It is often overlooked because many people mistakenly believe that the generation of enforceable rights is automatic upon the creation of a creative work, such as a drawing, design, or photograph. While it is true that rights are generated in a creative work the moment that the work is made in a tangible form of expression, it is challenging to prove the exact date that the work was created, and thus the copyright was established, in order to enforce the copyrighted work.
What Can Be Copyrighted?
A copyright is an intellectual property right that can be sought for original works of authorship. These works must be created in a tangible form of expression in order to be registerable. A few examples of common forms of copyrightable materials typically found in business include original creative works such as:
- A written manuscript, employee training handbooks, instruction guides, etc.
- Artwork for websites, product packaging, product illustrations, etc.
- Movies, videos, films, and other video-based productions.
- Musical compositions, such as sheet music for a commercial jingle.
- Musical performances, such as an orchestral performance of music, or a band’s performance of a commercial jingle.
- Artistic performances, such as choreographed dances.
- Sculptures, figurines, product prototypes, etc.
- Architecture.
With a little creativity and the right guidance, it is easy to figure out how obtaining copyright protection could be beneficial to your business. Many businesses generate original creative works that contribute value to their business in some way.
Registration of A Copyright
That is why it is important to register copyrighted materials for your business with the United States Copyright Office. Registration is a fairly simply and affordable process that confers a specific copyright registration date to your copyrighted work. This registration date can then be used to enforce your copyright protection. Copyright registration can be made anytime, but it is important to understand the benefits of getting your business-related copyrighted works registered as soon as possible. For instance, a successful copyright infringement lawsuit can lead to statutory damages for the unauthorized use or copying of your registered copyrighted material back to the date of registration, if the infringing action was occurring as far back as that.
At Keystone Scientific, Inc., we make it our goal to help you and your business or development project to reach its full potential. Ask us about how we can help you achieve your goals and solve your project problems. Please feel free to reach out to our team by calling 814-205-3393 or contact us online.
Written by Amber Stiles
The information contained in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only as a service to the public, and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel, nor does it constitute advertising or a solicitation. The information contained in this blog reflects the most current legal developments at the time it is written; accordingly, information contained in this blog is not promised or guaranteed to be correct or complete. Please consult with a lawyer if you have any questions or legal matters that need addressing.
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