Tampa Copyright Attorney

Protect Your Intellectual Property

Copyright law grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights over the use and distribution of those works. This right is created by the United States Constitution:

Article I, Section 8, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution, known as the Copyright Clause, empowers the United States Congress: To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.

U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8, Clause 8

Want to learn more about copyrights in Tampa, FL? Contact us online or give us a call today!

What Is Protected by Copyright Law?

All that is required to obtain a copyright is to create an original work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. That medium need not be in writing, but may be in many forms.

The following works can be protected via the Copyright Act:

  • Literary works
  • Musical works, including any accompanying words
  • Dramatic works, including any accompanying music
  • Pantomimes and choreographic works
  • Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
  • Motion pictures and other audiovisual works
  • Sound recordings
  • Architectural works

The list is not exhaustive. Many new forms of expression are protected under copyright law, including computer source code, compiled object code, UI/UX designs, flowcharts, UML diagrams, and many other digital artifacts that are commonly developed through software engineers and designers.

Is Trademark and Copyright the Same Thing?

Trademarks and copyrights are not the same thing, although they both protect unique creations. In general, a trademark protects brand identity such as a business’s logo or slogan. A copyright protects more creative and intellectual works like literary and musical creations. Contact our firm if you have additional questions

Copyright Does Not Protect Ideas

What is important to understand is that copyright does not protect ideas, only the manifestation of them. If you want to protect an idea, then put it down in writing! Otherwise you will need to obtain a patent on the concept.

Likewise, if you have a logo or brand identity you want to protect, you will need to look to trademarking those ideas. Trademarking officially marks a brand as yours and provides legal protections from counterfeiters.

For more information about copyright law, contact the Tampa copyright attorneys of Four Rivers Law Firm today at (813) 773-5105.