1. Copyrights
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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2. What Is a Copyright?
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 A copyright protects someone who creates an original
work.
 An original work can be a book, a play, or a Web site,
among others.
 The goal of copyrights is to prevent unauthorized copying
of your work.
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3. What if I Want to Use Copyrighted Work?
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 You must obtain permission from the copyright holder.
 You can get permission by writing a letter to an author,
artist, publishing house, or Webmaster.
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4. Do Copyrights Expire?
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 For works created since January 1, 1978, the copyright
lasts until 70 years after the creator’s death.
 For works created before January 1, 1978, a copyright can
last anywhere from 28 to 67 years.
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5. How Do I Copyright My Work?
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 If you create an original work, it is automatically
protected by copyright law.
 You can register your work with the copyright office to
obtain additional protections.
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6. For More Information
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©U.S. Copyright Office
101 Independence Ave. S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000
(202) 707-3000
©http://www.copyright.gov/
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