Copyright

Homepage Glossary Copyright

Copyright is the legal protection of works that grants the author exclusive rights to use their content: text, images, music, software code, videos, and other creative works. Copyright regulates who can copy, distribute, or modify a work and under what conditions.

What is Copyright?

Copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship. It arises automatically at the moment of creation and does not require mandatory registration (although registration can simplify legal protection in case of disputes).

Texts, articles, books;
Photographs, illustrations;
Music, films, videos;
Computer programs;
Websites, designs, databases;
Scientific works, infographics, etc.

What Rights Does Copyright Grant?

The author receives exclusive rights, meaning only they or a person authorized by them can:

Copy the work;
Distribute it;
Publicly display or perform it;
Adapt and modify it;
Sell or license it;
Permit or prohibit use by others.

There are also personal moral rights:

The right to be recognized as the author (attribution);
The right to a name (to indicate or conceal the author’s name);
The right to protect the work from distortion.

These rights cannot be transferred or sold — they remain with the author forever.

What Copyright Protects and What It Doesn’t

Protects:

Unique text;
Images, graphics, photos;
Music, audio recordings;
Videos, animation;
Works of art;
Software source code;
Website design;
Illustrations and diagrams.

Does Not Protect:

Ideas, concepts, methods;
Facts and data;
Mathematical formulas;
Common knowledge;
Generic slogans like “best quality” (but they may be protected as trademarks).

Duration of Copyright

In most countries, the standard rule applies:

70 years after the author’s death.

After this period, the work enters the public domain and can be used without restrictions.
For some objects (e.g., photographs, software, works by multiple authors), separate terms may apply.

Copyright Infringement

Infringement is any use of a work without the permission of the author or rights holder, for example:

Copying text or photos;
Using music files in advertising without a license;
Publishing others’ materials on a website or social media;
Selling a product containing someone else’s code.

Consequences of infringement may include:

Content removal;
Fines;
Account blocking;
Lawsuits.

How to Use Content Legally

Use only your own materials.
Purchase licenses (for photos, music, videos, fonts).
Use materials under a Creative Commons license (complying with its terms).
Share via official reposting functions.
Obtain written permission from the author.

Copyright Symbols:

℗ — Protection of sound recordings (phonogram).
® — Registered trademark (not to be confused with copyright).

Conclusion

Copyright is a legal mechanism that protects an author’s creative work and regulates the terms of its use. It helps prevent unlawful copying and ensures the author maintains control over the destiny of their work.