14 replies to this topic

[raenef]

Ive had something Ive always been curious about. So I decide I'll ask here (wasnt sure if this could go in general help or here).
People design layouts, graphics, sigs, banners, etc. and most of them always put
Copyright <Name Here>
Now my question is, is that an actual copyright? I mean if you find somebody who took your work (taking the copyright off) could you take legal action against them?
I dont use the Copyright text in any of my work because Im not sure if its even true that it is 'copyrighted'
Its just something Ive been curious about, I thought 'copyrighting' required more govermental paperwork. :-p

[Phazon Eater]

I don't think most people copyright their sites for real, and I don't think you can sue them for stealing your content or design. I'm not completely sure though.

[Jaymz]

Phazon Eater, on May 6 2005, 07:37 PM, said:

I don't think most people copyright their sites for real, and I don't think you can sue them for stealing your content or design. I'm not completely sure though.

Copyright is legally created the moment an idea is recorded on physical media. If someone steals one of my designs regardless of actual registration, I can take legal action. Filing the copyright provides more protection as it allows you to sue for more damages.

The DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) states that any site that has copyrighted material that is illegally used, that site must be shut down if the rightful owner proves ownership, no questions asked.

[raenef]

Ah wonderful I'll start using the 'copyright' in my designs and future scripts then.
Thanks Jay.

[raenef]

A couple new questions however,
1: In such a copyright would you have to use your real name, or could you use a username/handle/sitename?
2: If you see someone using your work, who would you contact if they refuse to take it down/or stop using a script etc.

[Jaymz]

raenef, on May 6 2005, 07:52 PM, said:

A couple new questions however,
1: In such a copyright would you have to use your real name, or could you use a username/handle/sitename?
2: If you see someone using your work, who would you contact if they refuse to take it down/or stop using a script etc.

1. No, a notice isn't neccesary either. I use ©DesignbyJaymz.com 2005. All Rights Reserved.

2. If they refuse, contact their host and file an official DMCA complaint with the following 6 criteria:

Quote

1 A physical or electronic signature of a person (“Complaining Party”) authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is claimed to be infringed;

2 Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed, or if multiple copyrighted works at a single online site are covered by a single notification, a representative list of such works at that site;

3 Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing or to be the subject of infringing activity and that is to be removed or access to which is to be disabled, and information reasonably sufficient to permit the service provider to locate the material;

4 Information reasonably sufficient to permit the service provider to contact the Complaining Party, such as an address, telephone number, and, if available, an electronic mail address at which the complaining party may be contacted;

5 A statement that the Complaining Party has a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law; and

6 A statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that the Complaining Party is authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

[raenef]

Ah very informative. Thanks a lot.

[Donna]

raenef all the info you need can be found on the following sites:

http://www.whatiscopyright.org/
http://www.rightsforartists.com/
http://www.copyright...ircs/circ1.html
http://www.htmlgoodies.com/beyond/referenc...cle.php/3472671
http://www.copyright.com/
http://www.chillinge...s.org/index.cgi

[raenef]

Ah thanks for the very informative links Donna.

[designkai]

lol, i have always been curiouse about this but never asked anyone, i just figured even if it didnt work as a real copyright, that hopefully the fake one would scare people off but it turns out its not a fake, so its all good

[syntex]

I always was curious bout dat,Thanks for da info

[Apache]

I Dont use the Copyright sign, i use something called creative commons. You allow people to use yours really interesting and a good idea, work to a certain extent with giving you credit. Its a great idea, check it outHere.

BTW, the minute you create anything, its copyrighted. Meaning the minute you doodle on a little piece of paper, its copyrighted

[Jaymz]

Apache, on May 6 2005, 09:51 PM, said:

Meaning the minute you doodle on a little piece of paper, its copyrighted

Steal my doodles, and I'll sue

[Apache]

oops, too late