My D'vere

Persons or organizations creating “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, architectural, cartographic, choreographic, pantomimic, pictorial, graphic, sculptural, and audiovisual displays usually register copyrights. Authors, artists, song writers and creators of computer programs typically register copyrights. Businesses often copyright their logos and other artwork that is representative of their companies

The word “copyright” literally means the right to copy. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, “The owner of copyright has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and, in the case of certain works, publicly perform or display the work; to prepare derivative works; or to license others to engage in the same acts under specific terms and conditions.” For example, the author of a book will typically sell all or part of his or her copyrights to a publisher who actually prints and markets the book to the public.

The U.S. Copyright Office defines the following broad categories of works for which copyrights can be registered:

• literary works
• musical works, including any accompanying words
• dramatic works, including any accompanying music
• pantomimes and choreographic work
• pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
• motion pictures and other audiovisual works
• sound recordings
• architectural works

Computer program copyrights are typically registered as “literary works.” Architectural plans and maps are registered as “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works.” Things that cannot be copyrighted include any inventions, ideas, procedures, processes, slogans, principles, or discoveries.

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