Software Piracy, Fair Use Law, And Copyright Infringement
Posted on April 18, 2008 - Filed Under Legal and Law | Leave a Comment
As the multi-billion dollar software industry continues to become more and more financially lucrative, some of the more unethical entrepreneurs in America are attempting to get in on the moneymaking action by distributing pirated software. Often carried out online, software piracy can cost the industry millions of dollars in lost revenue, and the offense can carry hefty punitive fines and prison sentences.
Read More..>>Fair Use - When You Should Attribute Your Sources And When You Should Seek Copyright Protection
Posted on January 17, 2008 - Filed Under Legal and Law | Leave a Comment
There is some confusion with regard to plagiarism and what constitutes fair use online. Some people are so afraid to violate copyright laws, or have their rights to their own intellectual property violated, that they miss great opportunities to see their work expanded.
The blogosphere has its own rules but those rules don’t discount traditional law. Stealing is still stealing, even on the Internet. But allow me to dispel some copyright infringement myths:
Read More..>>Everything You Need To Know About Trademarks And Fair Use
Posted on January 9, 2008 - Filed Under Legal and Law | Leave a Comment
Trademarks are one of those things in life that nearly no one understands, but that just about everyone is unwilling to admit. So I’ll make it easy: Trademarks simply designate a product’s source of origin. If I say "Diet Coke" you probably think of a silver and red aluminum can, or a tall glass of ice filled with dark bubbling beverage. You can probably taste it, too. In any case, the trademark has successfully designated what it is and, and "it" is a particular low-calorie drink from the Coca-Cola Company folks.
Read More..>>Copyright, Isbn & More
Posted on January 9, 2008 - Filed Under Legal and Law | Leave a Comment
Your writing belongs to you, from the time you create it until 50 years after your death. The easiest way to assert ownership is to print the copyright symbol ©, the year, and your name on your work. It is not necessary to register your copyright with the Library of Congress. If a publisher offers you a contract, he/she will copyright the book in your name. Don’t worry about whether a publisher will steal your work. Publishers are in business to make money. If they stole manuscripts or ideas, they wouldn’t be in business very long. Besides, their aim is to develop good writers, writers who will produce many books for them. If you are self-publishing a book, registration also is not necessary, particularly if your distribution is local, or if you are printing under 5,000 books. If you decide to register your copyright anyway, you must make application before the book is published and submit a complimentary copy after publication. If your book is smaller than 50 pages, it doesn’t qualify for Library of Congress registration. For further information visit www.loc.gov/copyright.
Read More..>>Faqs - Copyright
Posted on January 3, 2008 - Filed Under Legal and Law | Leave a Comment
Many people seem to think that putting a copyright notice on their work protects their rights. They are only partly right. Registering the copyright is an important step. If you register your copyright before an infringement occurs, you have a great deal more leverage in enforcing your rights.
Question: What does Copyright Law protect?
Copyright Law protects original works of authorship, including artistic and literary works for the life of the creator plus 70 years. This means that the copyright owner has the exclusive right to license, reproduce, perform, and display the work (subject to the “fair use” doctrine discussed below).
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