1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Women in Business

Copyright Law Information and FAQs

What are copyright laws? What does a copyright cover? Should you formally register a copyright? FAQs about public domain and copyrighted materials, and how to protect your "forms of expression."
Work for Hire Agreements - SEO Copyright Transfer Laws in California
California state law prohibits transferring copyrights from the author/creator to a client under "Work for Hire" agreements unless the creator is also treated as an employee. To get copyrights you must first purchase workers' comp insurance and withhold taxes from any payments made.
Who Owns the Copyrights to SEO and Meta Tags?
If you created your own meta tag data you own the copyrights. And, if you hire someone and to create it for you, the copyrights are yours. But if you sign a contract giving an SEO company the rights, you could be in serious trouble.
Why and When Should I Register a Copyright?
Are automatic protection laws enough to protect your copyrights? What are advantages to registering a copyright? Learn how the best way to protect your copyrighted works,
What is “Automatic Copyright Protection?”
Information about automatic copyright protection. As of January 1, 1978, under U.S. copyright law, a work is automatically protected by copyright when it is created. For this automatic protection to exist you do not have to register with the U.S. Copyright Office, or even have published your work.
How Do I Apply for a Copyright?
Free tips on how to apply for a copyright. What are the fees for registering a copyright? What are "mandatory deposits?" Find the right form, print an application, or apply on line.
What is the de Minimis Principle and Does it Apply to Copyrights?
What is the de minimis principle? The de minimis principle simply means “some things are just too small to be bothered with.” This principal applies to many areas of law, including copyrights.
How do I Show Something is Copyright Protected?
How can I show something has a copyright? How should I use the copyright symbol? What is the right format to indicate a copyright? How can I check to see if something has a copyright?
Can I Mail Myself Something I Created to Show Proof of Ownership?
Can I seal and mail something to myself to establish proof of a copyright? This practice is often referred to as the “poor man’s copyright.” It is anything but reliable, and may or may not offer evidence in a court or law should legal action result from your claim to ownership.
What is the Duration of a Copyright?
What is the duration of a copyright? How long do automatic copyrights last? Are copyright laws that same in all countries?
What Does a Copyright Protect?
What does a copyright protect? You do not have to formally register a copyright to have some protection for written works, artwork, and many other forms of expression
What is the Difference Between Copyrights, Patents, & Trademarks?
What are the differences between copyrights, patents, and trademarks? What do they protect? Know the difference and protect your intellectual property, inventions, corporate identity, and products.
Explore Women in Business
About.com Special Features

Start your new business on the right foot with these helpful tips. More >

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Women in Business
  4. Business Law & Insurance
  5. Copyright Laws

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.