copyrights?

Question

im writing a story and posting it online.
i dont want anyone to be able to copy this and take credit for it.
how do i copyright it?
do i just say it, or do i have to go through legality stuff?

Answer 1

Actually, the answer above is not exactly correct. You do not need to publish a work for it to receive copyright protection. Copyright protection exists once a work is in "fixed" form regardless of whether it is published.

At the very least, you should include, along with a posting of your work, (i) the circle c or in the alternative, the word "Copyright" or the abbreviation "Copr."; (ii) the year of first publication of the work; and (iii) the name of the owner of the copyright in the work.

Now let's say someone does copy your work. Although registration is not necessary to obtain copyright protection, you generally cannot sue someone for copyright infringement until you register you work with the Copyright Office.

More information on registering your work can be found in the Copyright Office circulars at the link below.

http://www.copyright.gov/circs/

Edit: Shaman, if you re-read my answer, I never said that copyright notice is "required." This is entirely your language -- not mine. Unfortunately, you're trying putting words in my mouth. I simply said you "should" include a copyright notice.

Also, you're absolutely wrong that the copyright notice does nothing more than make a plagiarizer think twice.

A copyright notice is beneficial because it puts the potential infringer on notice. Proper notice defeats a defense based on innocent infringement in mitigation of actual or statutory damages, except as provided in section 504(c)(2) of the copyright law. Innocent infringement occurs when the infringer did not realize that the work was protected.

http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html#noc

Edit2: Shaman, no offense taken. However, to say that a copyright notice simply puts a plagiarizer on notice significantly downplays the benefit of including a copyright notice. Defeating a defense of innocent infringement may be especially important for works published online (as opposed to a physical book at a Barnes and Noble). In particular, works published online can easily be copied with a cut-and-paste and attributed to someone else.

It's accurate to say to say that it's not required, but I would simply stop there. I can't think of any cases off hand where I would not recommend putting a copyright notice on works published online. From that standpoint, and since we're both trying to help others, I'm not sure why you brought it up in the first place.

Answer 2

The above answer is not entirely correct, either. The law does not require that you use the copyright symbol. It used to, but that changed some years ago.

Using the symbol does nothing more than make a plagiarizer think twice, which makes it a good idea. But, it doesn't offer any legal protection.

Learn more about copyrights here:
http://sedonastringer.blogspot.com/2007/11/dont-be-fooled-about-your-rights-as.html

Edit: No offense intended, Ron. I knew what you meant. I was only trying to help the asker understand. "Should" implies responsibility.

Information on the Copyrights Office Web site specifically states that the (c) is unnecessary. Without registration, it does nothing more than make a plagiarizer think twice -- or, as you put it, put the plagiarizer on notice. We said the same thing.

I'd rather try to help the asker with his/her question than argue about semantics.

Answer 3

As soon as you publish it, it's your copyright.

To better protect your rights though, you should register your copyright with the US Copyright office.

Richard