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Books, stories, and poems are all protected by copyright. This means you can't copy them without permission. You can read them, quote small parts, or write your own story inspired by them, but you can't just copy and publish them as your own.

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Songs and music need permission to be used. You can listen to them, sing along, or even make your own cover, but you can't sell or share the original song as if it's yours.

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Movies, TV shows, and online videos are copyrighted too. You can watch them and talk about them with friends, but you can't upload the full video to your own channel or make copies.

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Drawings, paintings, and photos are protected by copyright. You can admire and share them, but you can’t claim them as your own or use them in your projects without permission.

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Video games and software are copyrighted. You can play them and create mods if allowed, but you can’t sell copies of the game or software without permission.

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If you want to use someone else's work, the best way is to ask for permission. This can be done by sending an email or letter to the copyright holder.

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When you use a small part of someone else's work, like a quote, you need to say where it came from. This is called citing your source. It's like giving credit to the person who created it.

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Some creators allow others to use their work for free under a license called Creative Commons. Look for the CC logo and see what kinds of things you'll need to do, like giving credit.

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Works that are no longer copyrighted are in the public domain. You can use these works freely, but it's always nice to give credit to the original creator.

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You can use copyrighted materials for educational purposes without permission sometimes, like in school projects, but you still can't claim the work as your own.

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Learn what copyright is and its importance in making a creative project with Internet Safety for Kids and Families’ simple and straightforward video presentation.

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Students of all ages can be copyright owners and register their work with the Copyright Office.

Whether you're teaching young students just starting out or preparing older students for life beyond high school, incorporating copyright concepts into your lesson plans can help engage a student's creativity and foster an appreciation for the importance of protecting creative works. Students interact with copyright daily, often without realizing it. They draw a picture of their family or record themselves playing a familiar tune on their recorder. They perform a monologue from a well-known play or write a short story inspired by another work. They research a topic for a term paper or analyze a novel for a book report. At all ages, students are not only creating copyright-protected works, they are using the copyright-protected works of other authors along the way.

To get you started, here are six concepts that will help students better understand copyright.

Everyone Is a Copyright Owner

Copyright covers creative works like books, movies, plays, music, artwork, sculptures, photographs, computer programs, and more. So, just about everyone-including students of all ages-is a copyright owner, even if they've never registered their works. In the United States, copyright protects a creative work from the moment the author fixes it in a tangible form of expression, meaning the work is written, recorded, or captured in some medium that can be perceived, reproduced, or communicated for more than a short time.

In addition to being fixed, a work must be original, meaning that it is an independently created work of human authorship that is also creative. But, one important distinction is that copyright only protects the expression of a work, not the underlying ideas. Two authors with the same idea can create two separate works, and, as long as they meet the other requirements, copyright will protect both.

Copyright Gives Owners Some Exclusive Rights over the Use of Their Work

The Framers of the U.S. Constitution saw copyright law as a vehicle to "promote the progress of science and the useful arts." As part of this, copyright gives owners certain exclusive rights over a work's use and commercialization. These include the rights to reproduce, distribute, create derivatives, publicly perform, and publicly display a work. Creators can also transfer these rights and permit others to use their works. As such, copyright owners can not only protect their works but also, in many cases, make a living from them. Understanding this can help students see the potential of their own works and respect the rights of other copyright owners.

However, these rights don't last forever. The Framers also ensured that copyright protection was for a limited time so that works could inspire the creation of new works, and the cycle would continue, further enriching the nation. For example, think of the many derivative works that have developed from the novels of Jane Austen, the plays of William Shakespeare, and the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, among others. Movies based on their works, such as C lueless, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Frozen wouldn't exist without the public domain.

Copyright Registration Protects Works by Creators of All Ages

Though copyright protection is automatic, students may want to go one step further to enhance that protection by registering their work with the Copyright Office. While registration is not a requirement, it does provide several benefits: it allows owners to enforce their copyright in a U.S. work in court, and if registration is timely, it may allow them to claim statutory damages and attorneys' fees. It also creates a public record of related facts, which helps those seeking to use a work.

Registration is available to creators of all ages. Perhaps your students want to submit a short story they wrote in class to a literary journal or turn it into a novel, or maybe they want to display their painting at an art fair. Even if your students don't have something to register now, copyright law and registration are here to help protect them and their future creative works.

Everyone Is a Copyright User

While everyone is a copyright owner, it's just as crucial to recognize that everyone is also a copyright user. Students use copyright-protected works daily. They're using textbooks or multimedia materials for class, performing songs in a school band or chorus, or starring in the school play, to name a few. Outside of school, students are still using copyright-protected works in many ways-for example, when they post someone's photo on social media, upload a video using someone else's song, or download an album.

Knowing how to legally use another creator's work is important. Users generally need permission before using a work, though other options might be available, including if the work is in the public domain or if the use falls under the exceptions and limitations found in the Copyright Act.

Learning About Fair Use Is Valuable

Older students may have encountered the concept of fair use when citing materials for class projects or reports, but they don't always know the details of the legal doctrine or understand the difference between fair use and proper citation. With no hard-and-fast rules, it's more than just thinking the use of someone else's copyrighted work is fair or okay because others have used it. Instead, fair use is determined on a case-by-case basis and dependent on four factors:

1. The purpose and character of the use, whether it's being used for commercial or nonprofit educational purposes.

2. The nature of the copyright-protected work-is it more factual or highly creative?

3. The amount and significance of the portion used. It's not as simple as using less than 10 percent; there is no precise formula to ensure that using a particular amount of a work will qualify.

4. The effect of the use on the potential market for or value of the protected work.

If fair use is applied correctly, it allows the use of a copyright-protected work without permission. However, students must be thoughtful and analyze if it really is fair use.

Copyright Is Important

Ultimately, students should recognize that copyright is essential. They might see copyright in a negative light, as something hindering their access to works online or the reason their social media post or video was taken down. But copyright is here to help "promote the progress of science and the useful arts"; it protects everyone, from well-known authors and musicians to independent photographers and first-time songwriters to the students creating their own copyright-protected works. And it provides carefully considered exceptions and limitations so those works can be used by students in class and beyond.

From the beginning of school, students are engaging their creativity through all subjects, so it's never too early to start teaching copyright concepts. Understanding copyright helps students see the value in their creative works and in the works of others, as well as ensure they are using them in a fair and legal way.

Copyright Office Resources to Get You Started

Engage Your Creativity webpage
Provides a variety of introductory resources-including Circulars, handouts, and videos-to help your students engage their creativity

Learning Engine video series
Provides short, fun, and informative videos on basic copyright concepts.

Copyright Office Circulars
Provides authoritative information to general audiences on topics related to the fundamental concepts of copyright law and the policies and procedures of the Copyright Office.

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Six Copyright Concepts Your K-12 Students Should Know | Copyright

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Whether you're teaching young students just starting out or preparing older students for life beyond high school, incorporating copyright concepts into your lesson plans can help engage a student's creativity and foster an appreciation for the importance of protecting creative works. To get you started, here are six concepts that will help students better understand copyright.

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https://www.trendmicro.com/internet-safety/for-kids/cyber-academy/what-is-copyright

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June 24, 2019
COPYRIGHT: DO YOU KNOW THE BASICS?

Baffled by copyright? Want to know where you can find more information about your rights as a writer?

Copyright should be a simple concept - but in reality, it rarely is. Understanding a contract and tackling difficulties with a third party can be particularly complicated.

For example:

- What are 'restricted acts' and 'copyright exceptions'?
- How do you 'register' your copyright? (Clue: You don't need to).

Here are the answers to these, and a few more, frequently asked copyright questions.
What rights do copyright holders have?
Copyright owners have exclusive rights in their work. These include the rights:

- to copy a work,
- to issue copies of the work to the public (including rental or lending),
- to perform, show or play the work in public,
- to broadcast the work or make it available online,
- to adapt the work or do any of the above in relation to the adaptation.

Anyone who does any of these without permission or in situations not covered by statutory exceptions is infringing copyright and breaking the law.
How do I register copyright?
As soon as you record an idea, for example by writing down the first draft of a poem, it's protected by copyright. As long as the work is original, copyright protection is automatic. Copyright ensures works cannot be reproduced or used without your permission. This means you can profit from your creation.

There is no formal system in the UK for registering copyright. Most commonly you would use the copyright symbol ©, followed by your name and the year the work was first published. To show a written work existed by a set date, send a copy to a reliable third party, such as a bank or solicitor.

In the US, registering your work with the copyright office gives you certain benefits in the case of infringement proceedings.
Are there any exceptions to copyright?
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 provides certain exceptions to copyright. 'Fair Dealing', for example, applies to copying a work for non-commercial research or private study, illustration for teaching, criticism or review, and news reporting, quotation and parody.

Libraries and educational establishments also benefit from copyright exceptions, but in some cases, authors are entitled to receive royalties from ALCS and Public Lending Rights (PLR).
What happens if my work is used outside the UK?
The UK is signed up to a number of international treaties that seek to protect the copyright of works when used overseas. A fundamental principle of international copyright law is that all works should have equal protection in each territory, regardless of the nationality of the creator. This means your work can be protected all over the world.
What are moral rights?
Moral rights protect the bond between you and your work. They include the right for you to be associated with your work and prevent others from altering your work significantly. Examples include:

The Paternity (Attribution) Right
The right of a creator to be identified as the author of a work. This right has to be 'asserted' in writing - for example, included in your contract.

The Integrity Right
The right to object to any unauthorised distortion or changes to your work that may prejudice your honour or reputation.
What is rights reversion?
Contracts sometimes stipulate that the right to publish a book belongs to the publisher unless the book goes out of print or sales fall below a certain level. This clause varies, but authors who want to try to revive a work by self-publishing can potentially regain their rights through the 'out-of-print' or 'reversion of rights' clause in their contracts.

Read more about contracts and how reverting your rights works here.
What other organisations can help me?
If you're not signed up to receive UK and Irish Public Lending Right (PLR), then you probably should be. PLR is a legal right to payment from the Government each time your books are borrowed from public libraries. While ALCS pays overseas PLR to members from countries in which we have agreements, you need to register separately with PLR UK for UK and Irish PLR.

You may also want to consider joining a writers' union, like the Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB), the Society of Authors (SoA) or the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), depending on where your poetry is published. The advice of such organisations can come in handy when you need contract vetting or legal advice.

Read more about other writers' organisations here.
Other useful resources
See the resources section of our website.

See our copyright education leaflet for adults.

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Copyright: Do You Know The Basics? | National Poetry Day

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Copyright is crucial. Huge thanks therefore to our friends at ALCS (Authors' Licensing and Collecting Agency) who have created this useful guide for poets. COPYRIGHT: DO YOU KNOW THE BASICS? Baffled by copyright? Want to know where you can find more information about your rights as a writer?

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Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.

What does copyright protect?

Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section " What Works Are Protected."

How is a copyright different from a patent or a trademark?

Copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries. Ideas and discoveries are not protected by the copyright law, although the way in which they are expressed may be. A trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others.

When is my work protected?

Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

Do I have to register with your office to be protected?

No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section " Copyright Registration."

Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?

Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within five years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section " Copyright Registration" and Circular 38b, Highlights of Copyright Amendments Contained in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), on non-U.S. works.

I've heard about a "poor man's copyright." What is it?

The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a "poor man's copyright." There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.

Is my copyright good in other countries?

The United States has copyright relations with most countries throughout the world, and as a result of these agreements, we honor each other's citizens' copyrights. However, the United States does not have such copyright relationships with every country. For a listing of countries and the nature of their copyright relations with the United States, see Circular 38a, International Copyright Relations of the United States.

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Assuming you are a US citizen, log onto https://www.copyright.gov to register your copyright claim. Complete the application, pay the fee, and submit your work. After your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive your registration for your copyright. If you do not live in the United States, use independent witnessing companies to copyright your poetry.

1. Click on "Standard Application" under the "Register a Work" heading. You can use the standard application to register most works, including an original work, compilation, collection, or variation. Click on "Start Registration" to begin the application.

2. Complete the online application, eCO (electronic Copyright Office). This is the cheapest and fastest way to apply. Fill out all information, including type of work, author, and previous copyrights filed. Review your application, and press "submit" when finished.

If your poems are published all in the same volume and all written by you, register them as a volume under one copyright.

3. Submit your work via electronic upload. When your screen lists your payment as complete, press "continue." Click the green button that reads "Select files to upload," and you will be prompted to select a document. Select the correct file, and click the blue "start upload" button. Your upload is now complete!

You can submit files in the following formats: .doc (Microsoft Word Document), .docx (Microsoft Word Open XML Document), .htm, .html (HyperText Markup Language), .pdf (Portable Document Format), .rtf (Rich Text Document), .txt (Text File), .wps (Microsoft Works Word Processor Document), .fdr (Final Draft).

1. Print out the Basic Application by visiting https://www.copyright.gov/forms/. Click on "Literary Form TX" under the "Basic Registration" heading. This will open Form TX in PDF format. Print out the application from this page.

2. Mail in the application, fee, and deposit materials to Library of Congress Copyright Office. Bundle all three elements into one package, and mail it to the Library of Congress Copyright Office, located at 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20559-6000.

Limit your package to 20 pounds.

Oftentimes, the Library of Congress receives packages along with a return receipt. This is not required, but it is helpful to know that your package reached its destination.

Add New Question

Is registering literary material the same as copyrighting it?

No, they're not the same. Anyone can "claim" ownership (authorship) of poetry, a book, etc. by putting the c symbol at the bottom. Just because the poetry is yours as soon as you created the work doesn't mean that someone will not try to attempt to place claims on your work. Registering your work is PUBLIC PROOF that you are in fact the author, in case someone were to attempt to make claims on your writings.

I want to register my poems but how?

You automatically have copyright and moral rights in any original creation you have made. You can indicate that you are enforcing that copyright by placing the (C) copyright symbol next to each poem. The thing is monitoring misuse of the poems rather than seeking to claim it. Beware paying anyone who claims to copyright things for you.

I have a book of 110 poems. Is this considered one literary work or is each individual poem considered one literary work?

You can register the copyright of the entire work or individual poems. If you are not the author of all of the poems, it can still be registered as one "collective work".

See more answers

You can submit a collection of poems as one application, rather than individual poems. You will pay only one filing fee for registering an entire collection.

Your registration will be assigned a number, and you will receive a certificate issuing your copyright after about 4 month of submitting your package.

Your registration becomes effective on the day the Copyright Office receives your package. *The Copyright Office receives about 2,4000 submissions a day.

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"This is an excellent summary of how to obtain a copyright for your creation. After watching videos and searching the internet to no avail, I found this gem of an article and had my own work's application begun in one day. Thanks so much!" ..." more

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How to Copyright Poetry: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

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Assuming you are a US citizen, log onto www.copyright.gov to register your copyright claim. Complete the application, pay the fee, and submit your work. After your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive your registration...

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Ethical Users of Information- Middle School

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Ethical Users of Information- Middle School

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The following lessons and videos are designed to help you teach essential digital citizenship concepts of copyright and creativity, and to get students thinking and talking about how these concepts relate to their own online activities as both consumers and creators of creative work. The lessons have been scripted in detail to help presenters feel confident as they communicate copyright concepts, including fair use and other copyright limits. For teachers wanting more background in copyright and fair use, our professional development course is free and available on demand. We may also be able to offer a free training in your area. Inquire at: [email protected]

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Middle School Homepage - Copyright & Creativity

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The following lessons and videos are designed to help you teach essential digital citizenship concepts of copyright and creativity, and to get students thinking and talking about how these concepts relate to their own online activities as both consumers and creators of creative work.