Copyright

Copyright, exclusive right of an author or other creator to publish or sell his or her works. When a work has been copyrighted, other firms and individuals must have permission from the holder of the copyright in order to reproduce the work. If they do so without permission, the holder of the copyright may sue for damages and for an order to stop publication or distribution. Most published books are copyrighted. Other types of works that may be copyrighted include plays, musical compositions, periodicals (including newspapers), motion pictures, photographs, prints, reproductions, works of art, speeches and lectures, and maps and charts. A notice of copyright will usually appear on such published material. In 1978 many U.S. copyright laws were rewritten. At present, a U.S. copyright grants exclusive rights to a work in the United States for the life of the author and 50 years after the author's death.

The Universal Copyright Convention, which is adhered to by many nations including the United States, does not specify the minimum of copyright protection, so long as there is no favoritism.

See also: Patent.