A copyright notice is an alert that informs the public that the work in question is protected by copyright law. It usually consists of the word “copyright,” the symbol ©, the year of publication, and the name of the copyright holder.
What Rights Does Copyright Offer?
The copyright notice serves a practical purpose: it secures the right to prevent others from making unauthorized copies or adaptations of the work. When the work carries a copyright notice, an unauthorized user must seek permission from the copyright holder before using the content. Without a copyright notice, the copyright holder’s rights may be limited.
Examples of Copyright Notice
A copyright notice might appear as a watermark on a digital image, printed on a paperback book, displayed on a public website, or indicated in the credits of a movie or television programme. Other examples of copyright notices include: “© 2018 John Doe”; “All rights reserved”; “Reproduction prohibited”; or “Unauthorized use of this material is prohibited.”
Copyright on Social Media
Today, social media has presented a new challenge in copyright protection. It is easy to repost content and put it out without proper attribution or authorization. Publishing a copyright notice on each of your digital posts is a smart way to enforce your rights. By following this practice, users are reminded that the content is not free for redistribution or use without permission.
Conclusion
For modern creators and owners of original works, it is important to understand the concept of copyright and its role in protecting their works. A copyright notice notifies others that the work is protected by copyright law and serves as a reminder to receive authorization from the copyright holder before using the work.