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This guide is meant to give you information about copyright, fair use, and other intellectual property topics. It is not intended to provide legal advice. If you have questions about a particular copyright situation, please consult a lawyer.
Copyright grants you exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and modify your intellectual property. Intellectual property is creative work that may include, but is not necessarily limited to music, art, design, authorship, inventions, manuscripts, etc. While certain exceptions may exist (such as your employment contract or work-for-hire), the rights to the intellectual property that you develop belong to you. Click on each exclusive right that copyright grants you to learn more.
Create copies of your work, reproduction may include but is not limited to:
Distribute your work in any way you want such as:
In any venue or style of your choosing including:
Publish in any medium you choosing:
Change your work in any way you wish to create new versions:
While not an exhaustive list, the table below should give you a good idea of what is and isn't covered by copyright. If you have questions about a specific type of work don't hesitate to reach out to the Copyright Librarian.
| Protected | Not Protected |
|---|---|
| Literature | Ideas & Facts |
| Music | Methods |
| Drama | Systems |
| Choreography | Intangible Works |
| Pictorial Works | Titles, names, and slogans |
| Sound Recordings | Familiar symbols |
| Motion Pictures | Variations of typefaces |
| Architectural Plans | Ingredient lists |
While the questions below are the most frequently asked, they may not answer all of the questions you may have about copyright. Feel free to reach out to the copyright librarian with any other questions you may have.
Copyright is automatic, it happens as soon as you fix your work in a tangible format (written down, recorded, drawn, painted, etc). Your work is protected from use, copy, distribution, or performance by anyone without your permission. While registering your work with the copyright office is not necessary, there are times when registering your work may be beneficial. Keep in mind that copyright laws do differ internationally.
You can register your intellectual property through the U.S. Copyright Office. Fees and processing times do vary depending on the type of work you are registering and how many applications are being processed.
Duration of Copyright of new works lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. After that time the work goes into the public domain.
There are various exceptions to copyright protection, especially when weighed against the public interest. Adapting works for educational or disability needs can fall under Fair Use. And certain educational uses of electronic media fall under the TEACH Act. If you have questions about fair use or the TEACH Act contact the Copyright Librarian.
Trademarks – While Copyright can protect many aspects that can make up a trademark, trademarks protect company name, slogans, branding, mottos, etc. as a whole. Branding is the “image” or “personality” of your business, the reputation it has built over time and the elements that make up that reputation including color palette and fonts used in promotions and marketing. You can register your Trademark through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Patents - Granted by the U.S government, patents protect inventions, manufacturing designs, plant varietals, etc. You can apply for a patent through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.