copyright question

[bobcdy]

I'm not all all clear about copyrights on web pages. For example, should the material on a web page to be considered as public domain and thus available for copying and distibution via the internet?

I've found that occasionally there will be a copyright notice on a web page, but this is by far very rare.

[dwig]

Originally Posted by bobcdy

I'm not all all clear about copyrights on web pages. For example, should the material on a web page to be considered as public domain and thus available for copying and distibution via the internet?

Quite simply, no.

[bobcdy]

Thanks for the info. I considered that to be the situation, but wondered about it because of lack of copyright info on the pages unlike paper books, etc.

As I understand copyrights, a book, for example, must be registered to be considered copyrighted, so one would suspect that web page text also would require registration in order for copyrights to exit, unless perhaps that all the pages of a web site provider might be copyrighted(?)

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by bobcdy

Thanks for the info. I considered that to be the situation, but wondered about it because of lack of copyright info on the pages unlike paper books, etc.

As I understand copyrights, a book, for example, must be registered to be considered copyrighted, so one would suspect that web page text also would require registration in order for copyrights to exit, unless perhaps that all the pages of a web site provider might be copyrighted(?)

You don't have to register a work for copyright to exist.


Perhaps this will help...

When is my work protected?
Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

Do I have to register with your office to be protected?
No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.”

Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?
Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration” and Circular 38b, Highlights of Copyright Amendments Contained in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), on non-U.S. works.

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by bobcdy

As I understand copyrights, a book, for example, must be registered to be considered copyrighted, so one would suspect that web page text also would require registration in order for copyrights to exit, unless perhaps that all the pages of a web site provider might be copyrighted(?)

Totally untrue. Copyright automatically exists the instant that the work is created. You don't even need to have a copyright notice.

[dwig]

Originally Posted by bobcdy

...
As I understand copyrights, a book, for example, must be registered to be considered copyrighted...

There was a period of time (up untill 1977?) that under US copyright law the copyright notice was required. Under the current law no notice is required.

[HarryT]

That's correct; that's when the US signed the international Berne copyright convention and gained copyright laws more in accordance with those elsewhere in the world.

[bobcdy]

Thanks for all of these clarifying responses.
Bob