How to Defend a Copyright-Protected Document
Copyrighted documents come in a couple of different forms. For writers, it is implied that any article created by that person is copyrighted. You can file documents with the Library of Congress as an additional safeguard in the event of a dispute. Following are steps to help you copyright your document and defend that copyright should be it challenged.
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Instructions
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Search the Library of Congress website for copyright information.
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Contact an attorney who specializes in intellectual property law for questions or concerns. She can also represent you if an incident does occur.
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Keep copies of all copyrighted documents with the letter from the Library of Congress stating the date of copyright and other important information.
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Verify with your attorney that you did not give away the rights to the document you are defending. When you are published in print, there are temporary rights that you give away for a set period of time. Your attorney can help you determine what these rights and time period are.
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Present the copies at any court trial or hearing to show proof of ownership.
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Tips & Warnings
Understand the laws behind copyright and intellectual property. Most copyrights can be assumed, but for a minimal fee you can have a copyright filed.
Be sure you know what you are talking about before going up against someone in front of a judge.
Research digital copyright laws thoroughly. They are very new, and there is no precedent for them yet.
Err on the side of caution. If something appears to be copyrighted or is not written, published or created (this includes photographers and artwork) by you, then it is copyrighted by someone else.
Do not reproduce anything without permission from the owner.
