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 Copyright covers both published and unpublished works."

Copyright offers exclusive rights to the creators of expressive works. These rights include:

• Making copies
• Distributing copies
• Performing or displaying work
• Making derivative works

Copyright Information

What is protected by copyright?

U.S. copyright law covers original creative works, including, but not limited to: 

• research articles, books, and manuscripts in any field
• literary works
• musical works, including any accompanying words
• dramatic works, including any accompanying music
• pantomines and choreographic works
• pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
• motion pictures and other audiovisual works
• sound recordings
• architectural works
• software code
• online content
• unpublished creative works 

What is not protected by copyright?

• Ideas, facts, and data
• Logos and taglines (protected by Trademark)
• Anything created by the U.S. government
• Works for which copyright has expired

Not sure?

• Assume the work is protected by copyright and obtain permission.
• When in doubt, contact USC Office of General Counsel. 

• As soon as a creative work is "fixed in a tangible medium of expression," it is automatically protected by copyright.
• There is no requirement to register for copyright. Copyright protection is automatic.