Copyright Law

Copyright Law Hollywood Fort Lauderdale Broward South FloridaCopyright law in the U.S. is governed by federal statute, namely the Copyright Act of 1976. The Copyright Act prevents the unauthorized copying of a work of authorship. However, only the copying of the work is prohibited–anyone may copy the ideas contained within a work. For example, a copyright could cover a written description of a machine, but the actual machine itself is not covered. Thus, no one could copy the written description, while anyone could use the description to build the described machine.

Copyright law protects “works of authorship.” The Copyright Act states that works of authorship include the following types of works: 

  • Literary works. Novels, nonfiction prose, poetry, newspaper articles and newspapers, magazine articles and magazines, computer software, software documentation and manuals, training manuals, manuals, catalogs, brochures, ads (text), and compilations such as business directories
  • Musical works. Songs, advertising jingles, and instrumentals.
  • Dramatic works. Plays, operas, and skits.
  • Pantomimes and choreographic works. Ballets, modern dance, jazz dance, and mime works.
  • Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works. Photographs, posters, maps, paintings, drawings, graphic art, display ads, cartoon strips and cartoon characters, stuffed animals, statues, paintings, and works of fine art.
  • Motion pictures and other audiovisual works. Movies, documentaries, travelogues, training films and videos, television shows, television ads, and interactive multimedia works.
  • Sound recordings. Recordings of music, sounds, or words.
  • Architectural works. Building designs, whether in the form of architectural plans, drawings, or the constructed building itself.

Call the Law offices of Holiday H. Russell P.A. and schedule a consultation.

The Law Offices of Holiday H. Russell, P.A.

2699 Stirling Road, Suite A-105, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312

954.920.5153

Email: hhrussell@holidayrussell.com

Holiday H. Russell, P.A. All rights reserved 2016. TERMS OF USE: This web site is designed for general information only. No representations are made as to the current status of any law, statute, rule, procedure or form, or whether any of the same described herein are up to date, complete and current. Persons accessing this site are encouraged to seek independent counsel for advice regarding their individual legal issues. The information presented at this site is not to be construed as formal legal advice to you nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision. Before you hire the lawyer to whom you are referred, please be sure to request information regarding the lawyer’s qualifications and experience.
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