Copyright protects original works of authorship such as literature, music, art, and software. It is an automatic protection that exists from the moment a work is created and does not require registration with the Copyright Office. While registration is not required, it has advantages like allowing for statutory damages in infringement cases. Copyright protects the expression of ideas but not the underlying ideas themselves. It lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years for most works created after 1978.

1. COPYRIGHT FAQs
What is copyright?
Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in
a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.
What does copyright protect?
Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and
artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts,
ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed.
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How is a copyright different from a patent or a trademark? San Francisco, California
Copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries. Ideas and discoveries are not
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protected by the copyright law, although the way in which they are expressed may be. A trademark protects words, phrases,
symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others.
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When is my work protected?
Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either
directly or with the aid of a machine or device.
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Do I have to register with your office to be protected? Web www.banijamali.com
No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register,
however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work.
Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?
Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts
of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory
damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is
considered prima facie evidence in a court of law.
I’ve heard about a “poor man’s copyright.” What is it?
The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no
provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.
Is my copyright good in other countries?
The United States has copyright relations with most countries throughout the world, and as a result of these agreements, we
honor each other's citizens' copyrights. However, the United States does not have such copyright relationships with every
country.
How long does a copyright last?
The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the
date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the
author plus an additional 70 years. For an anonymous work, a pseudonymous work, or a work made for hire, the copyright
endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation,
whichever expires first. For works first published prior to 1978, the term will vary depending on several factors.
Do I have to renew my copyright?
No. Works created on or after January 1, 1978, are not subject to renewal registration. As to works published or registered
prior to January 1, 1978, renewal registration is optional after 28 years but does provide certain legal advantages.

2. Are copyrights transferable?
Yes. Like any other property, all or part of the rights in a work may be transferred by one owner to another.
Can foreigners register their works in the United States?
Any work that is protected by U.S. copyright law can be registered. This includes many works of foreign origin. All works that
are unpublished, regardless of the nationality of the author, are protected in the United States. Works that are first published
in the United States or in a country with which we have a copyright treaty or that are created by a citizen or domiciliary of a
country with which we have a copyright treaty are also protected and may therefore be registered with the U.S. Copyright
Office.
Can a minor claim copyright?
Minors may claim copyright, and the Copyright Office issues registrations to minors, but state laws may regulate the business
dealings involving copyrights owned by minors. For information on relevant state laws, consult an attorney.
Can I copyright my website?
The original authorship appearing on a website may be protected by copyright. This includes writings, artwork, photographs,
and other forms of authorship protected by copyright.
Can I copyright my domain name?
Copyright law does not protect domain names. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
(ICANN), a
nonprofit organization that has assumed the responsibility for domain name system management, administers the assignation
of domain names through accredited registers.
Can I copyright the name of my band?
No. Names are not protected by copyright law. Some names may be protected under trademark law.
How do I copyright a name, title, slogan or logo?
Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. In some cases, these things may be protected as
trademarks. However, copyright protection may be available for logo artwork that contains sufficient authorship. In some
circumstances, an artistic logo may also be protected as a trademark.
How do I protect my idea?
Copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, systems, or methods of doing something. You may express your ideas in writing or
drawings and claim copyright in your description, but be aware that copyright will not protect the idea itself as revealed in your
written or artistic work.
Does my work have to be published to be protected?
Publication is not necessary for copyright protection.
Does copyright protect architecture?
Yes. Architectural works became subject to copyright protection on December 1, 1990. The copyright law defines “architectural
work” as “the design of a building embodied in any tangible medium of expression, including a building, architectural plans, or
drawings.” Copyright protection extends to any architectural work created on or after December 1, 1990. Also, any
architectural works that were unconstructed and embodied in unpublished plans or drawings on that date and were constructed
by December 31, 2002, are eligible for protection. Architectural designs embodied in buildings constructed prior to December
1, 1990, are not eligible for copyright protection.