Re: web-publishing & copyright...

Ryan Day <rmday[_at_]chat.carleton.ca> wrote:
>
> I'm considering posting some of my short stories I've written on my
> web page, and I want to know if they're automatically protected; that
> is, do I have to go through some large, complex, expensive process to
> get them copyrighted? Or can I just put them up without fear of them
> being stolen and appearing in some B-movie five years from now?
> ...
> it *looks* like I don't need to bother with any long, complicated
> copyright process; can anyone tell me if I'm right?

You're partly right. You don't need to bother with some long complicated process. As soon as you write your story down (on paper, on disc, wherever), it is protected by copyright. It's a good idea to REGISTER your copyright, but even that is not a long or complicated process---a simple, two-page form and a $20 fee will do it. Access http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/ and click on "Application Forms" to download a copy of Form TX and the instructions for filling it out.

You should also put a copyright notice on your work (Copyright 1998 Ryan Day). This is not legally required, but will strengthen your position if your work is infringed.

The part you're wrong about is the "without fear of them being stolen and appearing in some B-movie five years from now?" part. That is ALWAYS a possibility. Copyright notice and registration won't prevent people from stealing your work. In fact, nothing will prevent that except not publishing it in the first place. But copyright registration and notice will give you much better tools with which to bring the infringer to justice if your work IS stolen.

Bob Cumbow
<cumbr[_at_]perkinscoie.com> Received on Mon Mar 16 1998 - 20:01:49 GMT