Article Advise

submitted: Sep 3rd 2008 | by: RexStevenson | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 544 | |

Each person who creates something that has artistic or literal value must protect it, using the copyright system. The copyright system ensures that a certain artistic work has legal rights. Examples of artistic works are photographs, paintings, drawings, or everything that is visual; other examples include music or choreography, and even computer programs or different designs.

The importance of copyright is given by the fact that artists become known and their work is recognized, also they can receive important sums of money for their creations. Copyright protects any artist and makes sure that anyone who violates their artistic work's rights is punished by the law. This way creators can distribute their works freely and without worrying, contributing to the culture, knowledge and entertainment everywhere on earth.

Everybody who creates something knows how much time and financial investment it needs. Also, a creation can only be made public through distribution and with the help of the media. Media means any form of publication, recordings, films, etc. Some people use the royalties system; it means that they will sell their work to a company that can use its marketing to obtain profits by selling their products.

The WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) states that these companies receive rights only fifty years after the death of the creator, but in some cases the national law can extend the time limit. This helps the creators and their heirs to obtain profit for some time. This treaty also includes moral rights, like the right of claiming authorship or protecting their reputation if changes are made that may harm it.

The national legislation of each country gives any individual copyrights. In some cases international treaties may be parts of national laws to make sure that no discrimination is made. It is better for every creator who is interested in these legal matters to consult the National Copyright Administration or CLEA (Collection of Laws for Electronic Access).

The organization named WIPO has administrated many laws and treaties which have connection with the intellectual property rights, government assistance, and any type of requests. They also give advice to people or different non governmental organizations. However, you should consult a copyright lawyer if you want more information.

Even before official procedures were introduced copyrights existed. In the Berne Convention it is stated that artistic works are protected without any official procedures, and they are protected now if the country recognizes and uses this convention.

There are national offices where people can register because the WIPO does not help you with the copyright registration. Registering your work may have some benefits: you can become known, your work is distinguished from other works, and you can use your rights in court if someone makes illegal moves on your work.

Every company or business has a trademark which acts like a representation. A trademark is a combination of words, symbols or names and is used to identify products that are made by a certain company. In other words, a brand name is represented by a trademark.

Trademark registration is not an obligation, but people can obtain some benefits if they register their trademark: recognition, full rights, a basis to international trademark registration or the right to invoke federal courts. Also it helps a lot if people know the difference between copyright and trademark.

About the Author

Your Trademark Law explains everything you need to know about trademarks, copyrights, and patents. It is your personal reference to protecting your business.

Comments

No comments posted.

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.