"These are a few excerpts (in part) from article in The Crafts Report entitled "Answers to Questions about Copyright" by Mathew G. Rosenberger, Esq.

What is copyright?
Copyright law protects authors of 'original works of authorship" once the work is created in a tangible or fixed form. It exists immediately at the work's creation. When a potter, weaver or jeweler has put the finishing touches on their work, regardless of their intentions for the end use of the piece, only the craftsperson can claim copyright.

What rights do copyright owners have?
There are six exclusive rights: (1) to reproduce the work; (2) to prepare derivative works based upon the work; (3) to distribute copies of the work; (4) to display the work publicly; (5) to perform the work publicly; and (6) to perform the work publicly by means of digital audio transmission (for sound recordings).

What kinds of works are protected?
Literary works;
Musical works, including any accompanying words;
Dramatic works, including any accompanying music;
Pantomimes and choreographic works;
Pictorial, graphic and sculptural works;
Motion pictures and other audiovisual works;
Sound recordings;
Architectural works;

What is not protected by copyright?
An idea cannot be copyrighted. It is the ORIGINAL EXPRESSION OF THAT IDEA THAT IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW. Copyright protection is not extended to works consisting entirely of information that is common property and containing no original authorship, such as; titles, names, short phrases and slogans; familiar symbols or designs; mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering or coloring; mere listing of ingredients or contents.

How does one secure a copyright?
Copyright is automatically secured when the work is created. While registration is not required to secure copyright, there are definite advantages to making it official with the U.S. Register of Copyrights.

How to register work:
Call the U.S, Copyright Office (202) 707-9100 and ask for an application form. A non-refundable filing fee of $20 is charged for each application.

How long does a copyright last:
For works originally created on or after January 1, 1978, copyright protection automatically attaches from the moment of its creation and is ordinarily given a term enduring for the author's life plus an additional 50 years after the author's death. "

Submitted by Barb Cramer