CopyRIGHT and CopyWRITE
They sound similar but have profoundly different meanings; and the key is in the
spelling. A copywriter is a writer, usually of advertising copy. Copyright, on the
other hand, is a right of ownership, ie the law as it applies to an original work,
affording protection for the owner who is usually, but not always, the author or other
originator.
Assumptive Rights
Copyright is a legal term, which means that precise interpretation varies from country to
country. In general though, it is the assumption that the owner of a written work has
certain rights when it comes to how it is used by others. In order to establish such rights
she might choose to mark the work by appending the word ‘Copyright’ to it, or the
internationally recognized symbol ©, which means the same thing (but not (c) which doesn't)
together with her name and the date (or just the year) of its creation. In most Western
countries though, it is not a legal necessity; owner’s copyright is assumed regardless.
All Rights Reserved
The term All Rights Reserved is also often used. This can be a way of announcing that the
owner would consider relinquishing or transferring one or more of her rights to the work,
usually under a license agreement or similar arrangement, in return for certain
considerations.
What Rights?
So what ‘rights’ are assumed? Well, an obvious one is the right to make copies (eg
with a photocopier). If it can be performed in public, such as a theatrical work, that is
another right that a copyright owner assumes exclusivity for. Displaying a work in public is
another. The right to modify it to suit a purpose not originally intended (eg a screenplay
based on a book) is another. These exclusive rights of reproduction don’t last forever. In
most Western societies they expire 50 years after their owner’s death.
Ownership
Also, an author is not necessarily the owner of the copyright just because she
created that particular piece of work. If it was commissioned or otherwise created on someone else’s behalf, chances are that they
(the aforementioned ‘someone else’!) are the copyright holders.
More Copyright Information
If you need more details than appear in the brief article above then go to one of the
sites outlined below:
The Copyright Website
The premiere location on the web for information on copyright.
http://www.benedict.com/
Publishing Law Center
Has legal articles that can help you create and negotiate publishing contracts as well as
other helpful articles and links that can assist you in making your publishing business more
profitable.
http://www.publaw.com
© 2000 Mike Alexander (Revised 2003)
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Mike Alexander is the creator and owner of '101 Newsletter Answers', the 'How-To'
place where the focus is on 'Power Communicating' with newsletters. http://www.101newsletteranswers.com
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