A copyright protects the creator of an original work from unauthorized copying. To use a copyrighted work, permission must be obtained from the copyright holder. For works created after 1978, copyright lasts until 70 years after the creator's death, while older works have copyrights from 28-67 years. Creating an original work automatically grants a basic copyright, but registration provides additional legal protections. More information is available from the U.S. Copyright Office.

1. Copyrights
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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2. What Is a Copyright?
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 A copyright protects someone who creates an original
work.
 An original work can be a book, a play, or a Web site,
among others.
 The goal of copyrights is to prevent unauthorized copying
of your work.
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3. What if I Want to Use Copyrighted Work?
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 You must obtain permission from the copyright holder.
 You can get permission by writing a letter to an author,
artist, publishing house, or Webmaster.
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4. Do Copyrights Expire?
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 For works created since January 1, 1978, the copyright
lasts until 70 years after the creator’s death.
 For works created before January 1, 1978, a copyright can
last anywhere from 28 to 67 years.
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5. How Do I Copyright My Work?
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 If you create an original work, it is automatically
protected by copyright law.
 You can register your work with the copyright office to
obtain additional protections.
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6. For More Information
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©U.S. Copyright Office
101 Independence Ave. S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000
(202) 707-3000
©http://www.copyright.gov/
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