According to the U.S. Copyright Act, which was passed in 1976, the copyright owner of a specific work will be given unique rights. These rights are not automatic, but are instead given to the copyright owner by law.
The Copyright Act provides five rights to the copyright owner. These rights must be used fairly and have certain specified limitations defined in the Copyright Act.
The five rights are:
- the right to reproduce the work,
- the right to prepare derivative works,
- the right to distribute copies of the work,
- the right to perform the work,
- and the right to display the work.
Along with the above-mentioned rights, the owner of the copyright has the right to prohibit the import of copies that are violating the interests in some situations in the U.S. You can speak with a New York Business Lawyer if someone has illegally used your work for which you have the copyrights.
Right to Reproduce
As per copyright law, the owner of a copyrighted work has the exclusive right to copy it. There are some limitations to what is considered fair use, specifically for copying rights for criticism, commentary, and teaching purposes. The copyrighted work can only be used on a noncommercial basis, and it must not be altered in any way.
Suppose any internet sharing sites are distributing copyrighted music copies or other material for free, then this means they are breaching the exclusive rights of the copyright owner.
Right to Prepare Derivative Works
Derivative work is a work that is based on one or more preexisting works. This includes adaptations, translations, and revisions. The copyright owner has the exclusive right to prepare derivative works, meaning that no one else can do so without their permission.
This right is important for protecting the copyright owner’s interests in their work. It allows them to control how their work is used and adapted, preventing others from unauthorized use or alteration of their work.
Right to Distribute Copies
The copyright owner has the exclusive right to distribute copies of the copyrighted work. This grants the copyright owner the right to rent, license, sell or distribute copies of his work to gain money. They can also authorize others to do so on their behalf.
This right is important for protecting the copyright owner’s interests in their work. It allows them to control how their work is distributed and sold, ensuring that they receive the financial benefit from its sale.
Right to Perform
The copyright owner (songwriters, choreographers, composers, etc.) has the exclusive right to perform the copyrighted work. This includes publicly performing or displaying the work. They can also authorize others to do so on their behalf.
This right is important for protecting the copyright owner’s interests in their work. It allows them to control how their work is performed or displayed, ensuring that they receive the financial benefit from its performance.
Right to Display
The copyright owner has the exclusive right to display the copyrighted work. This includes publicly displaying or exhibiting the work. For example, visual artists, including photographers and painters, retain their exclusive rights to display their work publicly. They can also authorize others to do so on their behalf.
This right is important for protecting the copyright owner’s interests in their work. It allows them to control how their work is displayed, ensuring that they receive the financial benefit from its display.
How Do You Register Your Copyright?
To register your original work, you need to complete an application form and then submit it. You can register online at the electronic copyright office (ECO) or in person. It is completely your choice.
However, registering online is considerably less expensive and far easier. You may also enlist the aid of The Hollywood Lawyer’s experienced attorneys, who will assist you with a variety of alternatives. They’ll also tell you which option is best for your needs, based on your particular circumstances.
