Understanding Copyright Law: A Beginner's Guide

This text explores and explains the basic mechanics of registering, maintaining and enforcing copyrights, and walks the reader through the complete process. Copyright is a form of legal protection for literary, performance and visual arts-based works, among other things. Copyright in the U.S. is based on the Copyright Act of 1976. The book offers in-depth explanations of the act, providing readers with everyday explanations to complex law. Copyright protection can be secured under the laws of many other nations as well, and international Copyright issues are discussed. The book emphasizes the process for registering a copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office.

The reader will be introduced to the nature and functions of intellectual property law as it relates to copyright. Intellectual property law is an intriguing, evolving body of law that seeks to create a fair balance between incentivizing public creativity, and providing a protective environment which allows fair competition and capital opportunities. Through this book, the reader will gain an understanding of the types of property subject to copyright; how to protect and use their own and other's copyrighted property; how to complete a copyright application; the full registration process; how to capitalize on the value of your copyright; infringement issues to look out for; and copyright as it applies to the internet and the digital age.

Linda A. Tancs has extensive experience as a transactional attorney in both corporate and private practice, concentrating in intellectual property, entertainment, information technology, e-commerce and general business matters. She managed the worldwide trademark portfolio of leading industrial and consumer products companies and regularly counseled in-house attorneys, executives and small business owners on trademark, trade dress, advertising, domain name issues and product packaging. Ms. Tancs has held leadership positions in bar associations, taught legal courses at two colleges and has authored several articles for legal periodicals and general interest magazines. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey. She is admitted to practice in several jurisdictions in the U.S. and abroad. Ms. Tancs operates her own consulting practice in the field of brand identification and management and is also certified as a coach in the fields of personal, executive and organizational coaching. She is the author of Understanding Trademark Law: A Beginner's Guide, another legal almanac in this series.