photo © 2008 Mike Seyfang | more info (via: Wylio)One pervasive misconception about copyright law here in the U.S. is that "a copyright" is something you need to "get." In actuality, copyright law protects your work as soon as it is created (in the case of writers, that means as soon as you write it down). Yep, it could even be an inspired piece of prose written on the back of your latest utility bill's empty envelope and still be "copyrighted."
To clarify, when a work is "copyrighted" a good way to understand that is:
Your work is protected under the existing copyright law.
Where the misconception that "You need to get a copyright" probably comes in is from the registering of a copyrighted work.
Wait... Why would you want to register your work if your it is already protected?
Registering your copyrighted work gives the added security of having an impartial third party (the U.S. government) in possession a document stating that you were indeed the creator of the work in question. That way if there is any doubt, you have a tangible record to backup your case, dated and signed.
So, now that you're armed with this little piece of info... you finally have a fool proof way to get out of playing Pictionary. Simply tell your friends all your works are protected under current U.S. copyright law and you require a royalty payment for their public display.
Wait... no don't do that... keep your friends instead.
NOTE: I'm not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. I know a bit about copyright because I've had a few years of experience in various forms of media and have read the U.S. copyright law for myself as well as interpretations and articles related to it.
To clarify, when a work is "copyrighted" a good way to understand that is:
Your work is protected under the existing copyright law.
Where the misconception that "You need to get a copyright" probably comes in is from the registering of a copyrighted work.
Wait... Why would you want to register your work if your it is already protected?
Registering your copyrighted work gives the added security of having an impartial third party (the U.S. government) in possession a document stating that you were indeed the creator of the work in question. That way if there is any doubt, you have a tangible record to backup your case, dated and signed.
So, now that you're armed with this little piece of info... you finally have a fool proof way to get out of playing Pictionary. Simply tell your friends all your works are protected under current U.S. copyright law and you require a royalty payment for their public display.
Wait... no don't do that... keep your friends instead.
NOTE: I'm not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. I know a bit about copyright because I've had a few years of experience in various forms of media and have read the U.S. copyright law for myself as well as interpretations and articles related to it.
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