What is a copyright?

A copyright is a property right that protects an original work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression.

What works of authorship can be protected by a copyright?

Works of authorship that can be protected by a copyright include the following categories:

1. literary works
2. musical works, including any accompanying words
3. dramatic works, including any accompanying music
4. pantomimes and choreographic works
5. pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
6. motion pictures and other audiovisual works
7. sound recordings
8. architectural works

Does a copyright protect the idea of the work of authorship?

In no case does copyright protection extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle, or discovery, regardless of the form in which it is described, explained, illustrated, or embodied in such work.

Where are copyrights registered?

Copyrights are registered with the Copyright Office, which is part of the Library of Congress.

© 1999 Gunnison, McKay & Hodgson, L.L.P., All Rights Reserved