What is a Copyright?

 

Copyrights are used primarily to protect the expression of ideas. As long as the expression of those ideas are fixed in a tangible medium and have at least some creative element in them, they can be protected.

Some of these mediums include art, photography, choreography, movies, music, writings, and software. Note that the important distinction between patents and copyrights is that while patents protect the underying ideas of an invention, copyright law only protects the EXPRESSION of those ideas. An idea which is expressed in a different manner than the original will not be susceptible to a claim for copyright infringement. Los Angeles Patent Attorney

 

 

Term of Copyright Registration (Length)

Compared with Patent Law, Copyright registrations enjoy a long term of enforcement. For works which are non-commissioned or Independent Author term begines from the creation of the work + the Life of the Author + 70 Years after death

or

for situations with a Work for Hire (independent contractors or employees) :

120 years from creation of the work

or

95 years from first publication

(Whichever Longer)

Distinguishing Copyrights from Patents and Trademarks?

 

Copyright Law does not protect inventions or ideas. Copyright Law does not protect logos, names, or goodwill. But Copyright law does protect the expression of various ideas which can generally described as art.