A copyright protects works of authorship like books, music, films, and other works of art that have tangibly expressed. Technically, a person has “common law” rights to a creative work once expressed in a “fixed medium.” However, a person should seek official copyright registration prior to marketing the book, song, movie, computer program, or any other creative expression. A registered copyright evidences the date of creation and places others on notice as to your rights to your work.
Failure to protect your work with a registered copyright can prove to be an expensive mistake if someone else tries to pass your work off as their own. The burden of proof will fall on you to show that you were the first person to create the work. The simplest way to protect your rights is to contact the Law Office of Zachary Hiller. We are particularly skilled at obtaining copyright protection for a wide variety of works of authorship. Once a copyright is obtained, we can assist you in not only protecting your rights, but also in preparing agreements allowing others to use your work.
