COPYRIGHTED meaning and definition

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What Does "Copyrighted" Mean? Understanding the Basics of Intellectual Property

In today's digital age, intellectual property (IP) is more valuable than ever. One of the most fundamental concepts in IP is copyright. But what does it mean to say something is "copyrighted"?

The Basics: What is Copyright?

Copyright is a legal concept that protects original creative works from unauthorized use and copying. It grants the creator of an original work certain exclusive rights, such as the right to reproduce, distribute, display, or perform their work publicly.

In the United States, copyright law is governed by the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended. The act states that "copyright" means "the exclusive rights to do and to authorize doing the following: (1) to reproduce the copyrighted work in copies or phonorecords; (2) to prepare derivative works based upon the copyrighted work; (3) to distribute copies or phonorecords of the copyrighted work to the public by sale, rental, lease, or lending; (4) to perform the copyrighted work publicly; and (5) to display the copyrighted work publicly" (17 U.S.C. § 101).

What Can Be Copyrighted?

Literary works: books, articles, poems, plays
Musical compositions: songs, scores, soundtracks
Visual artworks: paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures
Dramatic works: scripts, screenplays, stage plays
Cinematographic works: movies, TV shows, videos
Software programs: computer code, apps, games

What Does "Copyrighted" Mean?

When something is said to be "copyrighted," it means that the creator has registered their work with the U.S. Copyright Office or has obtained a copyright notice (such as "© [Year] [Author's Name]") and has taken steps to protect their exclusive rights.

In other words, a copyrighted work is one that:

Is original: created by someone rather than being copied from another source.
Is fixed in a tangible form: written down, recorded on audio or video tape, or printed on paper.
Has a certain level of creativity: requires some level of skill, imagination, and effort to create.

What Happens When Something is Copyrighted?

When a work is copyrighted, the creator gains exclusive rights over how their work can be used, shared, or distributed. This means that:

No one else can reproduce, distribute, perform, or display the work publicly without permission.
The creator can sue for infringement if someone else uses their work without permission.

Conclusion: Understanding Copyrighted

In summary, "copyrighted" refers to a legal concept that protects original creative works from unauthorized use and copying. By understanding what can be copyrighted and what it means when something is copyrighted, we can better appreciate the value of intellectual property and respect the rights of creators worldwide. Whether you're an artist, writer, musician, or software developer, copyright law plays a crucial role in safeguarding your work and ensuring that you receive proper compensation for your creative efforts.