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      • How Do I Patent a Name?
      • What Can be Copyrighted?
      • What Does Copyright Protect?
      • What is a Trademark?
      • What is an IP Attorney?
      • What is the Data Protection Act and What Does it Cover?
      • Which is Better, a Copyright or Trademark?
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  • -Lexis Legal Advantage FAQ
    • +Appellate Law
    • -Intellectual Property
      • How Do I Patent a Name?
      • What Can be Copyrighted?
      • What Does Copyright Protect?
      • What is a Trademark?
      • What is an IP Attorney?
      • What is the Data Protection Act and What Does it Cover?
      • Which is Better, a Copyright or Trademark?
    • +Labor & Employment
    • +Legal Tech
    • +Litigation
    • +Tax Law

What Does Copyright Protect?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office defines copyright as an intellectual property protection for “original...

What Does Copyright Protect?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office defines copyright as an intellectual property protection for “original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software and architecture.”

So, if you were to write a book, draw a picture, perform a song, build code, etc. you can apply for copyright protection for your work. This can help protect against copying, distributing, changing, marketing or otherwise using your creative work without your permission.

It's important to note that a copyright is different from a trademark. For a good explanation on the distinction between the two, read this: What's the Difference Between a Trademark and a Copyright?

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