Many misconceptions exist about copyright. Take this quiz, and see how informed you are about this US government service that offers protection for writers throughout our country.
True or False?
- Your book is not protected unless you have a copyright.
- Mailing yourself a copy of your manuscript will provide the same protection as applying for a copyright.
- You cannot publish your manuscript until you have your copyright certificate in hand.
They’re all false.
- Your work is protected the moment you write it. A copyright makes it easier to bring a lawsuit against someone who uses your material illegally.
- The poor man’s copyright is a total myth. It offers no more protection than doing nothing at all.
- You don’t have to wait to have the certificate. You can publish immediately. You can even publish without a copyright at all.
All information taken from the US Copyright office website.
3 thoughts on “Copyright Quiz”
#2 makes me sad. I’ve known it for awhile but it still makes me sad.
So how do you apply for a copyright? Is that info available on the web?
You can apply online for a fee of $35. It’s easy as long as the website is working correctly. There were a few hours yesterday when it wasn’t doing anything.
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