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How to Obtain Copyright

Definition: Easy steps to make sure everyone knows it’s yours. Because sharing is caring, but credit is crucial!

1. Self-Publishing Success: Amanda Hocking’s E-books

  • Story: Amanda Hocking, an American author, gained fame by self-publishing her e-books on platforms like Amazon. By securing copyright for her digital works, she ensured that her books were protected, allowing her to control their distribution and earn substantial royalties.
  • Case Analysis: Authors can obtain copyright automatically upon creation, but registering the work with the copyright office provides additional legal benefits and protection.
  • Steps to Obtain:
    1. Create the Work: Write your book, compose your music, or design your art.
    2. Fix in a Tangible Medium: Ensure the work is recorded or written down.
    3. Register: Submit an application to the copyright office in your country.
  • Legal Support:
  • U.S. Law: Copyright registration with the U.S. Copyright Office.
  • French Law: Register with the Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques (SACD) or the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI).
  • International Agreement: Berne Convention ensures protection in other member countries.
  • Keywords: Self-publishing, e-books, automatic copyright, registration, Berne Convention.

2. Global Music Phenomenon: BTS’s Hit Songs

  • Story: The South Korean boy band BTS has taken the world by storm with their music. Each song is protected by copyright, registered with relevant authorities to ensure the band retains control over their compositions and performances.
  • Case Analysis: Musicians can protect their compositions and recordings by registering with national copyright offices and performance rights organizations.
  • Steps to Obtain:
    1. Create the Music: Compose and record your songs.
    2. Fix in a Tangible Medium: Ensure the music is recorded.
    3. Register: Submit your work to copyright and performance rights organizations.
  • Legal Support:
  • South Korean Law: Registration with the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA).
  • U.S. Law: Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office.
  • French Law: Register with SACEM (Société des Auteurs, Compositeurs et Éditeurs de Musique).
  • International Agreement: Berne Convention.
  • Keywords: Music, compositions, recordings, performance rights, Berne Convention.

3. Innovative Software: Linus Torvalds and Linux

  • Story: Linus Torvalds developed the Linux operating system, which is protected by copyright. By registering his software, he ensured that the source code was protected from unauthorized copying and distribution.
  • Case Analysis: Software developers can protect their code by registering their work, ensuring legal recourse against infringement.
  • Steps to Obtain:
    1. Write the Code: Develop your software or application.
    2. Fix in a Tangible Medium: Ensure the code is documented.
    3. Register: Submit your work to the copyright office.
  • Legal Support:
  • Finnish Law: Register with the Finnish Copyright Office.
  • U.S. Law: Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office.
  • French Law: Register with the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI).
  • International Agreement: Berne Convention.
  • Keywords: Software, source code, copyright, registration, Berne Convention.

4. Artistic Mastery: Banksy’s Street Art

  • Story: Banksy, the anonymous British street artist, creates works that are globally recognized. By photographing and registering his artworks, Banksy ensures his pieces are protected from unauthorized reproduction and commercial use.
  • Case Analysis: Visual artists can protect their creations by documenting and registering their works, ensuring they retain control over their art.
  • Steps to Obtain:
    1. Create the Artwork: Paint, draw, or sculpt your piece.
    2. Fix in a Tangible Medium: Document the artwork with photographs.
    3. Register: Submit the documentation to the copyright office.
  • Legal Support:
  • U.K. Law: Registration with the U.K. Copyright Service.
  • U.S. Law: Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office.
  • French Law: Register with the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI).
  • International Agreement: Berne Convention.
  • Keywords: Visual art, street art, documentation, registration, Berne Convention.

5. Architectural Innovation: Frank Gehry’s Buildings

  • Story: Frank Gehry, the renowned architect, designs iconic buildings like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Copyright protection covers his architectural designs, ensuring that his creative visions are protected from unauthorized copying.
  • Case Analysis: Architects can protect their designs by registering their blueprints and plans, ensuring control over the use and reproduction of their work.
  • Steps to Obtain:
    1. Design the Building: Create architectural plans and blueprints.
    2. Fix in a Tangible Medium: Ensure the designs are documented.
    3. Register: Submit the documentation to the copyright office.
  • Legal Support:
  • U.S. Law: Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act.
  • French Law: Code de la Propriété Intellectuelle (CPI) for architectural works.
  • International Agreement: Berne Convention.
  • Keywords: Architectural designs, blueprints, registration, Berne Convention, Code de la Propriété Intellectuelle.