What Is the Public Domain?
What’s in the public domain? Public domain is a frequently used term in copyright parlance, yet it isn’t defined in copyright statutes. This article provides insight into when content is in the public domain under copyright law, from both the U.S. and international copyright law perspectives. This information will help guide you determine when you need […]
Introduction to International Copyright Law
International copyright law doesn’t exist! Each country has its own domestic copyright laws that apply to its own citizens, and also to the use of foreign content when used in one’s country. It allows creators and content owners around the world and citizens of many countries to enjoy copyright protection in countries other than their […]
Copyright Certificate Graduates
Our copyright certificate graduates listed below are a unique group of people who have been trained as copyright facilitators and decision-makers. They are equipped with the copyright knowledge they need to assess copyright issues and lower copyright infringement risks from a nonlawyer’s perspective. These unique fully online copyright programs and practical training are open to […]
The International Copyright Symbol
A copyright symbol informs others that copyright exists in your work. It also indicates that those who use (or want to use) your intellectual property should obtain permission from you. This article provides: Why You Should Use the International Copyright Symbol Some people believe that if a work doesn’t bear a copyright symbol, then that […]
Moral Rights in U.S. Copyright Law
Moral rights in U.S. copyright law benefit authors or creators of select copyright-protected materials: certain works of visual art. The purpose of moral rights is to attribute the author of a work and protect their reputation. Economic rights (such as the rights of reproduction and public performance), which are more commonly understood than moral rights, […]
Droit de Suite
Droit de suite (English translation: right to follow) is a unique right for artists that exists in some countries’ copyright law. It ensures that the creator of an artistic work, or their heirs, receives part of the resale value of a physical work of art. What is Droit de Suite? The concept of droit de […]
Orphan Works in Canada: Unlocatable Copyright Owners
This article sets out information on orphan works under Canadian copyright law.
About Lesley Ellen Harris (1961-2024)
Lesley Ellen Harris, JD, was the founder of Copyrightlaws.com. Lesley was a copyright consultant, published author, copyright blogger and highly respected and passionate copyright educator. Her areas of expertise included U.S. and Canadian copyright law, international copyright law, and licensing digital content. Facing health issues, Lesley made the difficult decision to retire in the Summer of […]
Intellectual Property Primer
Did you know that copyright law is part of a larger area of law called intellectual property (IP) law? This intellectual property primer helps you understand what intellectual property means. It also outlines the basic elements of the four types of intellectual property: copyright, patents, trademarks and trade secrets. Distinguishing Copyright from Trademarks and Patents […]
U.S. vs Canadian Copyright Law: Which Has Stronger Copyright Protection?
When it comes to the question “U.S. vs Canadian copyright law: which has stronger copyright protection?” the answer requires a historical examination of each country’s copyright laws (legislative policy, cultural differences, court cases and copyright statutes). In this article, our comparison focuses on various sections of the U.S. and Canadian copyright acts. Berne Copyright Convention […]