Do You Need Copyright Protection?

Do You Need Copyright Protection?

This is one of those things that new writers often worry about. So, from the outset I’ll make it clear – copyright protection is automatic under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA), for both published and unpublished work. However, where there are issues of infringement of copyright it may be necessary for you to prove your rights. Plus some people might prefer to give themselves a little more protection. It also makes sense to mark your work in the correct way when you produce it. So, what can you do to make it clear that your work is copyrighted?

Ways To Protect Your Copyright

First and foremost, please understand that what is described in the following paragraphs is not a legal requirement. You are, as I mentioned earlier, already protected under international law, but taking these measures will let anyone thinking about infringing your rights know that you are aware of the law.

• Use a properly worded notice – you can find out what you should put in the notice on the Using Copyright page of the UK Copyright Service website.
• Use the copyright symbol on your work – this can be done easily on any keyboard by holding down ctrl, alt and C – you should get this ©.
• If you have a dispute with another writer who claims that the work is theirs, you may need to prove that you are the original author. You can do this by registering with a copyright service, such as the UK Copyright Service. Or you can use the ‘poor man’s copyright’, which involves putting a copy of what you have written in an envelope, sealing it and sending it to yourself through the post. When you receive the mail, don’t open it. This then has an official date stamp on it. However, do bear in mind that this can be disputed.
• Include footprints in your work. This is evidence that’s inserted into the work that identifies it as yours. This can be as simple as deliberate mistakes or as complex as data that can only be identified using special programmes.
• If you co-author work, make sure you know what rights you have and what will happen if one of you decides to leave the partnership.

If you’ve already been published, you may also want to consider joining the Society of Authors for an annual fee. As well as many other benefits, you’ll get professional advice on copyright issues.

So, that’s how you protect your copyright! It’s not that hard, is it?