Whether you just launched a website, or you’ve had one for years, there are a few important policies your website needs, including a copyright policy. Even if you operate a blog or a small business, you must ensure that your rights are protected from copyright infringement — when another party reproduces, distributes, performs, publicly displays, or makes into a derivative work, your original content without your permission. Learn the top reasons why every website needs a copyright policy.
1. Put the world on notice of your rights.
Copyrights are a form of intellectual property protection that apply to any original work that is created in a fixed, tangible form. This includes original works such as writing, photographs, artwork, songs, computer software, or other kinds of creations. Copyright actually exists the moment a work is created by the person who created it.
Creating a copyright policy on your website will add a layer of protection to attempt to ensure that your intellectual property cannot be used by anyone else — putting the world on notice that you claim exclusive rights to your original content.
2. Deter copyright infringement through stern warnings.
You do not have to post a copyright notice by law. However, when you do create a formal copyright policy for your website, you are alerting anyone who comes to your site that you are serious about your intellectual property. It may help deter infringement of your original intellectual property for those who may not understand how copyright laws work. Sometimes, thieves of intellectual property will see the legal tool of a written copyright policy as actual legal protection of your content.
In your copyright policy, you should issue stern warnings of the consequences of using your original content without permission, including that you reserve the right to take any and all appropriate legal action against infringement upon your intellectual property.
3. Copyright Policies are an Inexpensive Deterrent
Creating and attaching a copyright policy to your website is relatively inexpensive and takes up virtually no room on your website. It can assist you in preventing infringement of your original work and in responding to instances of infringement. Not only does a copyright policy provide you with these legal tools, but it also creates a professional impression to website visitors.
Contact an Experienced Intellectual Property Attorney
For assistance in reviewing or drafting a copyright policy, or to apply for federal copyright registration to better protect your original works, consult with an experienced intellectual property lawyer. Creators of original works have automatic common law rights to the content they produce; however, federal copyright registration provides many benefits and allows you to more effectively defend your copyrights in the event your intellectual property is infringed upon.
If you have any questions regarding a copyright policy for your website or applying for registration of your copyright, contact the experienced intellectual property attorneys at The Myers Law Group at (888) 676-7211 or online today. Our legal team at The Myers Law Group focuses on protecting your intellectual property and can provide you with valuable and effective solutions to safeguard your intellectual property.