Introduction – What Is Copyright?
Copyright is defined as the legal right to be the only producer, publisher, or seller of things like:
- Music
- Drawings and illustrations
- Photos and videos
- Stories and writing
Copyright protects people’s authentic ideas from being stolen by someone, it allows them to earn through their work without it being copied. You probably didn’t know, that you own the copyright to your original drawings and stories!
Why Is Copyright Important?
Copyright is important because it prevents people from copying others’ work without their permission or acknowledgement. This rule enables people to own and earn through their project, without someone else benefitting from their hard work. Copyright also encourages people to be more creative and explore different ideas, which make it very important.
What Kind of Things Are Protected by Copyright?
Many different things are protected by copyright. Music, books, games, websites that you enjoy all of them are protected by copyright. If you play games like Roblox or do your homework through websites like Wikipedia, all of these things are protected by copyright. Did you know you own the copyright to a comic you created or a photograph that you took, but you don’t own the copyright to ideas or facts. In order for something to be protected by copyright it needs to exist for its ownership to be declared.
When Does Copyright Start?
Copyright begins when you create something original. You do not need to file paperwork or sign documents to own the legal rights for your unique work, for example, when you write a story or create a song, you own the copyright to it.
How Long Does Copyright Last?
Copyright law depends on factors like:
- If the work has been published or not.
- Date of the publication etc.
Usually copyright protection continues for the life of the creator, plus 70 more years according to the copyright alliance.
What Is the Public Domain?
Public domain is defined as creative material that is not protected by copyright laws. You can use public domain without crediting the owner or their acknowledgement. The term “Public domain” tells us enough to know that whatever falls under public domain can be used by everyone! Few examples of public domain are:
- Beethoven’s music
- Shakespeare’s plays
- Movies and videos available on sites like Internet Archive
What Happens If Someone Breaks Copyright?
When someone breaks copyright rules, it is called a copyright infringement (breaking). The person can be asked to:
- Stop using the content
- Remove it wherever it was published
They can also face legal action which would require them to pay heavy fines and fees.
How Can Kids Respect Copyright?
Here’s a list of things that children can do to respect copyright:
- Credit creators or owners when using their work. When you create school projects or write an essay inspired by someone or some work you can credit the owner!
- Do not copy-paste pictures or stories without credit or permission from the original owner.
- Use public domain pictures instead of copyright images in your projects.
Can I Copyright My Work as a Kid?
Yes, you can copyright your work as a kid. Children have the same rights as adults when it comes to the world of copyright. You do not need to be famous or grown up to own copyright to your work. Creating unique projects is very good and you should learn how to protect your work from a young age!
Conclusion – Ways to Share Safely
We have discussed laws about copyright in this article and I hope you understood how your work is protected under copyright as well. You should also know that some people choose to let others use their work, with some conditions and make their work public domain. Copyright protects theft of hard work and is a way to push people into creative projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Copyright
Can I use any song in the videos I create?
No, you can not use any song in videos you create. You either need to make sure the music is public domain or email the owner or company who owns the copyright laws to the music. Your video if used personally would not have consequences but if posted online, you can be asked to take it down or even face legal action. So be careful around copyright laws!
What can I do if someone copies my comics or drawings?
If you have published your work online, then you can reach out to the individual or company through email or call. You will need to professionally tell them to either remove your work or give you credit where it’s due.
How do I find public domain images?
You can find public domain images through sources like: