is a drawing copyrightable?

Question

I have created some drawings i want to put on shirts and sell but befor I do that I wanted to make sure no one can use or copy my drawings.

Answer 1

By creating an original piece of artwork, the creator owns the copyright. No one else may use that image without permission of the copyright owner. This copyright protection is automatic, simply by the artist's creation of it.

Additional protections are available and ADVISABLE, by registering the copyright with the US Government copyright office. This registraion is very important if the artist intends to pursue legal action against anyone for copyright infringement. There is a fee for this registration, and, an artist may register individual images, or, for the same fee, an entire collection of images. (such as the entire set of tee shirt designs)

Mailing the images to yourself, or to anyone else offers very little protection. It only proves when the images were mailed, NOT who created them, or when.

Be VERY wary of copyright advice given to you by anyone, other than professionals. Even then, many pros are misinformed about copyright protections. The only sure information is that from the copyright office. (copyright.gov)

Answer 2

The rule is as with anything else for copyright. You must publish and have proof that the publication is done by you. This means that you have to send (through snail-mail, e-mail or any other way) copies of the drawings to a responsible person who can vouch that you sent them. When you transfer your designs to shirts include as part of the design your signature, logo, etc and the copyright symbol and that should take care of your rights. If in future somebody rips off your work - sue them!

Answer 3

Copyright automatically belongs to the creator be that a painter, photographer, writer etc.

In the UK that doesn't have to be registered anywhere, in other countries it might be different.

Copyright still remains with the creator (or their family) for 70 years after their death.

Copyright can only be transfered in writing and usually for a large sum of money.

The only difference is if you work for a company (someone who pays you a regular salary) and are drawing or photographing as you job, then the copyright belongs to that company.

Answer 4

Anything you produce (creatively?) is copyrightable.

When I went to Boot's the chemist and tried to get
a photograph copied, they wouldn't, as the
photograph copyright laid with the original photographer
(by default)

If you're dealing with Technical Drawings put the "c circle"
symbol with the date and your name, then its
copyrighted (I understand in some parts of the world
you have to add the words "All rights reserved").

Copyright is not patent.

Answer 5

Yes definitely! You should see someone about it.Remember Mickey Mouse is a drawing and copywrited. If you don't believe it try using some Disney character without permission. The lawyers will flock to you like moths to a lightbulb.

Answer 6

as long as the drawings have a unique signature or initals of the artist that should be enough to hold up in court as a copywrite of the artist on those same drawings. The signature must be yours and somewhat recognizable, I don't think you need to date it but putting the year couldn't hurt

Answer 7

all the other people are right, but on top of that it has to be distinct. A drawing of a stick figure is gonna be hard to copyright,

Answer 8

yes you can, just make sure you have the original drawing, and put a little c on the drawing or sign it (something unique and hard to copy) so you can always prove it belongs to you, and take steps if nessescary...

Answer 9

Yes, get that copyright and get that art money!!!!! Good luck!