The Copyright Act of 1976 protects creative expression: literary, dramatic, and musical works; pantomimes and dance; pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works; audio-visual works; sound recordings; and architectural works. Essentially, any original "expression" is eligible for copyright protection as soon as it is fixed in a tangible form.

The following are six exclusive rights of copyright owners:

• The right to reproduce the work;
• The right to prepare derivative works based on the original;
• The right to distribute copies to the public;
• The right to perform the work publicly;
• The right to display the work publicly;
• The right to copy, publicly distribute, and prepare derivative works that are digital audio sound recordings.
  

Additionally, people may be entitled to utilize a work based on a doctrine called "fair use".  When determining whether the use is a "fair use", the courts will utililze a four prong approach. 

1. Commercial or Noncommerical Use;
2. The Nature of the Work;
3. Substantiality of the Taking;
4. The Economics of the Taking.

Becasue the four prong approach is complicated please allow me to advise you on this issue. 

I discussed top technology and business issues with the top business and legal executives of Google and Microsoft including issues relating to copyright law.

For more information about what copyright is and what it protects, please read my article.

The Law Offices of Peter M. LaSorsa, P.C. represents businesses located in the Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton and Woodford county areas on copyright law issues. Attorney Peter LaSorsa represents people in Illinois and in particular the Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton and Woodford county areas regarding copyright issues. If you live in Peoria, Pekin, East Peoria, Washington, Morton, Bartonville, Mapleton, Hanna City, El Paso, Elmwood, Deer Creek, Farmington, Elmwood, Chillicothe, Bloomington, Dunlap, West Peoria, Peoria Heights, Mossville or Canton contact my office regarding your rights.

E-mail your question about copyright.

You may call 24/7:
Peter LaSorsa, Attorney at Law
Representing people in Illinois on copyright issuess
Phone: 309-712-1145

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