The Public Domain can be used to create works for countless media categories and category combinations, and sold singly as printed books, magazines, photographs, audio recordings, software, eBooks, films, audio tapes, video recordings, sheet music. Products can also be sold in combinations, such as printed book with CD, eBook with membership site, and more.
Let us look at just a few ways to turn Public Domain creative works into physical and digital products.
While reading this article please take time to seek ways to be individual, better still unique, and turn an item literally anyone can claim from the public domain into your own exclusive products, available only from you!
Let’s go with a few ideas:
* Reprint text and illustrations ‘as is’, in print format, without making any changes. The simplest way to do this is to obtain a physical version of an original document, say a report or book, and to scan or photocopy the information from which to create subsequent copies.
Note that, although this is the fastest and easiest way to recreate and sell public domain works, it really doesn’t take much effort to make a few simple changes to text or layout, or illustrations and pagination, for example. These few changes take very little time but they are highly significant in determining your rights in the book. This is because with a few changes, enough to make the item recognisably different from the public domain original, the new work becomes what’s known as a ‘derivative’ work and its creator is fully protected under copyright law. This means, if anyone copies your version of the product, they can be sued for damages.
Note that, if you take a book from the public domain and recreate it as individual shorter reports, without making changes to the text, your product is again a derivative and becomes your sole copyright.
* Reprint the text and illustrations ‘as is’ and convert to downloadable format. This involves laying out the pages as they were in the original format, by scanning, for example, or by rekeying an exact copy of the document. Subsequently you turn the document into pdf or other eBook format. Arguably, this change from print to digital copy is sufficient to make your product a copyright protected derivative work. But in reality it would be impossible to know if someone selling an identical digital item to yours has copied your work or created their own product from scratch just as you did. So at least make a few changes, design your own front cover, for example, or use a different font, add a few illustrations, create a contents sheet or index section where none existed before.
Note that some of the biggest public domain resource sites provide public domain works as ready to download text. So all you have to do is go to your preferred location – Gutenberg is most people’s favourite – you’re your title, download and add the text to a newly opened ‘Word’ document, choose your own font and size, repaginate the text so that all chapters begin on a new page, and so on. ‘Word’ can be changed into pdf format literally at a keystroke using several free and low cost software programs on the market today. Find them by searching google.com for ‘pdf + creator + free’ or similar.
* Recreate the text ‘as is’, in ‘Word’, PDF or similar fashion, and burn your eBooks on CD. This makes it easier for potential buyers who want your books but are unfamiliar with downloading or have a slow connection or who simply prefer physical media. It’s always a good idea to provide as many product formats as possible and optimise your market potential. You’ll also find that, certainly on eBay, buyers think they know how to download digital products, but later find they can’t, so they take out their temper on you and you receive negative feedback. Sellers of downloadable products can avoid this common scenario by informing buyers that a CD will follow shortly after they access their download links.
Claim Your FREE Copy of THE PUBLIC DOMAIN INFORMATION PROFIT PLAN Any Time of Day or Night at: http://www.public-domain.biz
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Avril_Harper
แสดงบทความที่มีป้ายกำกับ Copyright แสดงบทความทั้งหมด
แสดงบทความที่มีป้ายกำกับ Copyright แสดงบทความทั้งหมด
4/02/2551
How To Copyright - Why Register Your Copyright?
Anyone who has had their work stolen knows how frustrating, and often downright infuriating, it is when someone illegally uses their copyrighted work. With the prevalence of the internet in today's society, unfortunately, copyright infringement has become a very real problem for many writers, artists, and other creators.
According to U.S. law, copyright is legally established the moment a work is created. You, as the author of the work, are automatically the legal holder of the copyright when you create a piece of work, granted that the work is eligible for protection. Those works protected by copyright include literary, musical, dramatic, choreographic, sculptural, graphic, pictorial, audio visual and architectural works. Also covered by U.S. laws are pantomimes, motion pictures, and sound recordings.
However, you will not hold legal copyright if you have entered into a work-for-hire agreement to transfer all rights of a work you created to another individual or business. In such an instance, you will surrender all of your rights to the work, provided there is a written agreement signed by you or your legal representative agreeing to transfer copyright.
Even though you legally hold copyright when you create a specific work, you should still seriously consider officially registering your work with the U.S Copyright Office for several very important reasons:
1. Copyrighting your work gives you the legal ability to file a lawsuit against anyone who has infringed upon that copyright. You cannot take legal action against another until your work, provided it originates from the United States, has been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
2. Should you have to take someone, who has infringed upon your copyright, to court, you can also sue for statutory damages and attorney's fees if you meet one condition: You must have registered your work with the U.S. Copyright Office within three months of having published the work or you must have registered the copyright before the copyright theft or infringement occurred.
If you have not met either of those conditions, you can still take legal action, provided you register your work. However, you will only be eligible to receive actual damages should you win your suit.
3. When you register your work with the U.S. copyright office, the copyright becomes a part of public record.
4. After you've registered a copyright, you'll receive a certification of registration in hard copy form, making it easy to provide physical proof that you hold legal copyright to your work.
5. In addition to being protected against copyright theft and infringement in the United States, registering a copyright also provides you with protection in certain countries that have adopted a copyright agreement with the United States.
For full protection against copyright infringement and copyright theft, you must register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office, contrary to what some believe. Do not fall prey to the notion that a so-called "Poor Man's Copyright" - mailing a copy of your work to yourself then leaving the envelope unsealed - will protect you should your work be stolen or infringed upon.
According to the U.S. Copyright Office, "There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration." Should you register your work before it has been published, you will not again have to register it once it has been published.
Even if you do not register your work, you are entitled to use the Copyright sign or Copyright symbol to provide notice to the public that you are aware of your rights in your work.
Learn more about how to copyright different kinds of works, how to use a copyright sign at http://www.how-to-copyright-it.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_Lehman
According to U.S. law, copyright is legally established the moment a work is created. You, as the author of the work, are automatically the legal holder of the copyright when you create a piece of work, granted that the work is eligible for protection. Those works protected by copyright include literary, musical, dramatic, choreographic, sculptural, graphic, pictorial, audio visual and architectural works. Also covered by U.S. laws are pantomimes, motion pictures, and sound recordings.
However, you will not hold legal copyright if you have entered into a work-for-hire agreement to transfer all rights of a work you created to another individual or business. In such an instance, you will surrender all of your rights to the work, provided there is a written agreement signed by you or your legal representative agreeing to transfer copyright.
Even though you legally hold copyright when you create a specific work, you should still seriously consider officially registering your work with the U.S Copyright Office for several very important reasons:
1. Copyrighting your work gives you the legal ability to file a lawsuit against anyone who has infringed upon that copyright. You cannot take legal action against another until your work, provided it originates from the United States, has been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
2. Should you have to take someone, who has infringed upon your copyright, to court, you can also sue for statutory damages and attorney's fees if you meet one condition: You must have registered your work with the U.S. Copyright Office within three months of having published the work or you must have registered the copyright before the copyright theft or infringement occurred.
If you have not met either of those conditions, you can still take legal action, provided you register your work. However, you will only be eligible to receive actual damages should you win your suit.
3. When you register your work with the U.S. copyright office, the copyright becomes a part of public record.
4. After you've registered a copyright, you'll receive a certification of registration in hard copy form, making it easy to provide physical proof that you hold legal copyright to your work.
5. In addition to being protected against copyright theft and infringement in the United States, registering a copyright also provides you with protection in certain countries that have adopted a copyright agreement with the United States.
For full protection against copyright infringement and copyright theft, you must register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office, contrary to what some believe. Do not fall prey to the notion that a so-called "Poor Man's Copyright" - mailing a copy of your work to yourself then leaving the envelope unsealed - will protect you should your work be stolen or infringed upon.
According to the U.S. Copyright Office, "There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration." Should you register your work before it has been published, you will not again have to register it once it has been published.
Even if you do not register your work, you are entitled to use the Copyright sign or Copyright symbol to provide notice to the public that you are aware of your rights in your work.
Learn more about how to copyright different kinds of works, how to use a copyright sign at http://www.how-to-copyright-it.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_Lehman
How To Copyright - How To Register a Copyright
Creating a piece of work - whether it's a poem, a computer program, or a motion picture - requires significant time and effort on the part of the author. The moment a work is created it is protected by U.S. copyright law, ensuring that the creator has exclusive control over the work unless he has signed over all copyrights to another party.
While copyright is established from the moment a work is created, that copyright doesn't fully protect you against theft and infringement of your work. To ensure you have maximum protection, you must register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Before you can register your work, however, you must ensure that it is copyrightable under the law. Those works that can be copyrighted include literary; musical; dramatic; pictorial, graphic, and sculptural; architectural, choreographic, and audiovisual works as well as sound recordings, motion pictures, and pantomimes.
When you register a copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office, your copyrighted work becomes a matter of public record, and registration gives you the ability to bring legal action against anyone who steals or infringes upon your copyright. Registering a copyright may also make you eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees should you have to file suit against the offending party.
Registering a copyright is actually quite simple and requires only three simple steps:
Step One: Fill out an application form
Go to the U.S. Copyright Office and download a copyright application form. You can find them on the Web by searching for "Copyright Office". You can also fill out the form online. Be sure to fill out the application fully and accurately. Failing to completely fill out the application form will result in your application being returned.
Step Two: Pay the application fee
Enclose the appropriate nonrefundable filing fee. Currently, the fee for filing your copyright application online is $35. If you submit a paper copyright application, you'll be required to file a $45 application fee.
Step Three: Prepare your nonreturnable deposit
Prepare a copy, which is referred to as a nonreturnable deposit by the U.S. Copyright Office, of the work you want to register. You must adhere to the following general requirements when sending a copy of your work:
• For those works that were created prior to January 1, 1978, you must send two complete copies or phonorecords of your work as it was when it was first published in the U.S.
• For those works that were created in the U.S. on or after January 1, 1978, the U.S. Copyright Office requires two copies or phonorecords of the best edition.
• For those works that were not created in the United States, you must send a complete phonorecord or copy of the work as it was originally published.
Requirements - Special Deposits
There are some special deposit requirements of which you should be aware. Some of the most prevalent special deposit requirements are as follows:
• If you've created a work - literary, musical, or dramatic - that has only been recorded as a phonorecord, you must send the complete phonorecord.
• If you're applying for a copyright for either a published or unpublished computer program, you are required to send the first and last 25 pages of source code for the program. If your program is less than 50 pages, you must send the complete program.
If you're uncertain if your work requires a special deposit, the U.S. Copyright Office encourages you to write (address below) or call (202) 707-3000 and provide a description of your work Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST.
All three items - a complete application, the appropriate application fee, and a copy of the work you want to register - should be mailed in the same package. The only exception is if you opt to fill out an online application. If you're applying for separate copyrights, you should also send all of the relevant material in the same package, ensuring that you separately attach the application fee to each corresponding application.
Failure to send the required materials together will generally result in the materials being returned to you. When your package is complete, send it to the U.S. Copyright Office at:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20559-6000
Learn more about how to copyright, and how to use the copyright sign.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_Lehman
While copyright is established from the moment a work is created, that copyright doesn't fully protect you against theft and infringement of your work. To ensure you have maximum protection, you must register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Before you can register your work, however, you must ensure that it is copyrightable under the law. Those works that can be copyrighted include literary; musical; dramatic; pictorial, graphic, and sculptural; architectural, choreographic, and audiovisual works as well as sound recordings, motion pictures, and pantomimes.
When you register a copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office, your copyrighted work becomes a matter of public record, and registration gives you the ability to bring legal action against anyone who steals or infringes upon your copyright. Registering a copyright may also make you eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees should you have to file suit against the offending party.
Registering a copyright is actually quite simple and requires only three simple steps:
Step One: Fill out an application form
Go to the U.S. Copyright Office and download a copyright application form. You can find them on the Web by searching for "Copyright Office". You can also fill out the form online. Be sure to fill out the application fully and accurately. Failing to completely fill out the application form will result in your application being returned.
Step Two: Pay the application fee
Enclose the appropriate nonrefundable filing fee. Currently, the fee for filing your copyright application online is $35. If you submit a paper copyright application, you'll be required to file a $45 application fee.
Step Three: Prepare your nonreturnable deposit
Prepare a copy, which is referred to as a nonreturnable deposit by the U.S. Copyright Office, of the work you want to register. You must adhere to the following general requirements when sending a copy of your work:
• For those works that were created prior to January 1, 1978, you must send two complete copies or phonorecords of your work as it was when it was first published in the U.S.
• For those works that were created in the U.S. on or after January 1, 1978, the U.S. Copyright Office requires two copies or phonorecords of the best edition.
• For those works that were not created in the United States, you must send a complete phonorecord or copy of the work as it was originally published.
Requirements - Special Deposits
There are some special deposit requirements of which you should be aware. Some of the most prevalent special deposit requirements are as follows:
• If you've created a work - literary, musical, or dramatic - that has only been recorded as a phonorecord, you must send the complete phonorecord.
• If you're applying for a copyright for either a published or unpublished computer program, you are required to send the first and last 25 pages of source code for the program. If your program is less than 50 pages, you must send the complete program.
If you're uncertain if your work requires a special deposit, the U.S. Copyright Office encourages you to write (address below) or call (202) 707-3000 and provide a description of your work Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST.
All three items - a complete application, the appropriate application fee, and a copy of the work you want to register - should be mailed in the same package. The only exception is if you opt to fill out an online application. If you're applying for separate copyrights, you should also send all of the relevant material in the same package, ensuring that you separately attach the application fee to each corresponding application.
Failure to send the required materials together will generally result in the materials being returned to you. When your package is complete, send it to the U.S. Copyright Office at:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20559-6000
Learn more about how to copyright, and how to use the copyright sign.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kurt_Lehman
Basics On Copyrighting Your Photographs
This article is intended on providing only the basics about copyrighting your photographs within the United States (at this time of writing, 12-11-07). No legal advice is applied. For more detailed information you can visit the official Copyright website (URL below).
--As of March 1, 1989, copyright has been made automatic. The need to register with the Copyright Office is no longer required to provide protection. Once you create a picture, you own the copyright. A copyright notice (for example, a copyright symbol or watermark) is also no longer required to protect your photographs (excluding older works); however, many photographers continue to use to identify themselves and the date of creation.
--As a general rule, for works created on or after January 1, 1978 the copyright is legally yours throughout your life plus 70 years beyond that unless you decide to pass your rights on to another.
--Before an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary. Registered works (if registration occurs within 5 years of publication) serve as prima facie evidence (proof) of a valid copyright. Registered works may also be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation.
--If someone was to steal your photographs, they can be liable for statutory damages up to $30,000 ($150,000 if willful infringement is proven by the copyright owner) for each work infringed on and may also be liable for attorney's fees incurred by the copyright owner.
--Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.
--To register photographs you will use the Visual Arts form which you can find at the official Copyright website.
--The current fee is $45 per application. You may register a collection of photos on one application under one title.
--Registration takes effect the day all the required elements in acceptable form are received; however, it takes approximately 4 months to receive your certificate. I suggest sending your application requiring confirmation of delivery since you will not receive acknowledgment from the Copyright Office.
--You will be notified by the Copyright Office via a letter or a telephone call if further information is needed to complete your application.
--If your application is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining why.
--Works created on or after January 1, 1978, are not required to be renewed.
--Online registration is expected in the future.
--Unfortunately a copyright is not protected throughout the world. Not all, but most countries do honor each other's citizens' copyrights.
I hope you find this information helpful but be sure to visit the official Copyright website at www.copyright.gov before deciding whether or not you should register your photographs.
Diana Cooper specializes in nature and wildlife photography. http://www.dianasphotography.com and http://www.cafepress.com/dianasphotos
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diana_Cooper
--As of March 1, 1989, copyright has been made automatic. The need to register with the Copyright Office is no longer required to provide protection. Once you create a picture, you own the copyright. A copyright notice (for example, a copyright symbol or watermark) is also no longer required to protect your photographs (excluding older works); however, many photographers continue to use to identify themselves and the date of creation.
--As a general rule, for works created on or after January 1, 1978 the copyright is legally yours throughout your life plus 70 years beyond that unless you decide to pass your rights on to another.
--Before an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary. Registered works (if registration occurs within 5 years of publication) serve as prima facie evidence (proof) of a valid copyright. Registered works may also be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation.
--If someone was to steal your photographs, they can be liable for statutory damages up to $30,000 ($150,000 if willful infringement is proven by the copyright owner) for each work infringed on and may also be liable for attorney's fees incurred by the copyright owner.
--Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.
--To register photographs you will use the Visual Arts form which you can find at the official Copyright website.
--The current fee is $45 per application. You may register a collection of photos on one application under one title.
--Registration takes effect the day all the required elements in acceptable form are received; however, it takes approximately 4 months to receive your certificate. I suggest sending your application requiring confirmation of delivery since you will not receive acknowledgment from the Copyright Office.
--You will be notified by the Copyright Office via a letter or a telephone call if further information is needed to complete your application.
--If your application is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining why.
--Works created on or after January 1, 1978, are not required to be renewed.
--Online registration is expected in the future.
--Unfortunately a copyright is not protected throughout the world. Not all, but most countries do honor each other's citizens' copyrights.
I hope you find this information helpful but be sure to visit the official Copyright website at www.copyright.gov before deciding whether or not you should register your photographs.
Diana Cooper specializes in nature and wildlife photography. http://www.dianasphotography.com and http://www.cafepress.com/dianasphotos
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diana_Cooper
What Is Copyright?
Copyright initially was conceived as a way for government to restrict printing. It is defined as the legal right granted to an author, composer, playwright, publisher, or a distributor for exclusively producing or publishing their original work. Work that is not copyrighted is known to be available in the public domain, and anyone is free to access such work and use it without seeking permission from the original creator.
Any piece of work protected by the copyright, is usually denoted by a 'c' with a circle around it (which is the symbol for copyright), or the word 'Copyright', followed by the name of the copyright holder and the year of first publication.
Copyright laws are governed by the Copyright Act of 1976 and the work granted with copyright (for any work created after January 1, 1978) is protected for the lifetime of the creator of the work plus fifty years after his or her death. But for any work created before January 1, 1978 (that is, prior to the enactment of the copyright act), the copyright starts from January 1, 1978, and extends up to December 31, 2002. Prior to the enactment of the Copyright Act, the common law granted copyright protection to all forms of unpublished works. However, after the enactment of the Copyright Act, the rights made available by the common-law stood abolished.
Many feel that to restrain the flow of knowledge based resource from one generation to another by using copyrights and patents is ethically and morally incorrect and that it reflects a monopolistic nature to uphold the commercial interests of the rich and the influential.
About Author: Pauline Go is an online leading expert in legal industry. She also offers top quality legal tips to investor like:
Free Information On How To Beat A Speeding Ticket , Constitutional Rights And Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs, Steps For Getting A Patent
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go
Any piece of work protected by the copyright, is usually denoted by a 'c' with a circle around it (which is the symbol for copyright), or the word 'Copyright', followed by the name of the copyright holder and the year of first publication.
Copyright laws are governed by the Copyright Act of 1976 and the work granted with copyright (for any work created after January 1, 1978) is protected for the lifetime of the creator of the work plus fifty years after his or her death. But for any work created before January 1, 1978 (that is, prior to the enactment of the copyright act), the copyright starts from January 1, 1978, and extends up to December 31, 2002. Prior to the enactment of the Copyright Act, the common law granted copyright protection to all forms of unpublished works. However, after the enactment of the Copyright Act, the rights made available by the common-law stood abolished.
Many feel that to restrain the flow of knowledge based resource from one generation to another by using copyrights and patents is ethically and morally incorrect and that it reflects a monopolistic nature to uphold the commercial interests of the rich and the influential.
About Author: Pauline Go is an online leading expert in legal industry. She also offers top quality legal tips to investor like:
Free Information On How To Beat A Speeding Ticket , Constitutional Rights And Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs, Steps For Getting A Patent
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go
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