Copyright
A Copyright is a protection for any published work that helps to prevent that work from being used without prior authorization. A Copyright may be indicated by the word "Copyright," or a C surrounded by a circle (©). The Copyright might also be followed by the published date and the author of the work.
When work is Copyrighted, it may not be reproduced in any fashion unless the owner of the work grants proper rights. Computer Hope is not meant for legal representation, and how a Copyright is interpreted could vary. If you have additional questions or concerns about legalities, consult a legal consultant or attorney.
Example of a Copyright
Copyright © 2024 Computer Hope
A Copyright for Computer Hope is at the bottom of each of our pages.
Software Copyright
Like any original work, software is also protected by Copyright laws. Copying or installing software you have not purchased is a breach of Copyright and a criminal offense. All software you use should be fully licensed for each computer and user using the program.
Should the word "Copyright" always be capitalized?
Yes.
Is a Copyright the same as a trademark?
No. A Copyright is a protection of intellectual property. A trademark is a protection of a brand, logo, motto, or another identifier. For example, the content on this page is Copyrighted and the company that owns the content, "Computer Hope," is trademarked.
What is Copyright infringement?
Copyright infringement is any duplication, reproduction, or otherwise copied use or distribution of any Copyrighted material without the expressed permission of the Copyright holder. For example, downloading any MP3 music without paying for it or using it in a video without the owner's consent is Copyright infringement.
What is a Copyright strike?
A Copyright strike happens when the Copyright holder submits a legal takedown request for Copyright-protected content. When this occurs, a company like Google with YouTube gives the content creator a strike. Too many strikes (typically three) and your account can be permanently banned or removed.
Even if the Copyrighted material is removed, if an account gets too many strikes it can still be banned or removed.
Computer-related Copyright history
On June 17, 1980, Atari became the first company to register a Copyright for two computer games: "Asteroids" and "Lunar Landar."
Those interested in learning more about Copyright issues in the information age should watch the RiP: A Remix Manifesto documentary staring Cory Doctorow.
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