How to Remove a Copyright Notice

A C in a circle is a widely recognized symbol of copyright protection.

A copyright notice is a statement that a particular piece of work is protected by a copyright. It usually takes the form of a copyright symbol (a C in a circle), the author's name and the year copyright began. The notice appears on creative works such as books, sheet music, photographs, artwork and web pages. The copyright notice is not required, and works without a copyright notice can still be fully protected under copyright laws. Removal of a copyright notice is straightforward.

Instructions

1. Removing a copyright notice on a printed work can be as simple as erasing the copyright notice or covering it with typing correction fluid. You can also cover the notice with a thin strip of tape that is the same color as the paper.

2. Remove a copyright notice on web pages and other electronic works by using the normal editing process. Simply highlight and delete the text.

3. Don't forget copies. If the original work has been reproduced in hard copy or electronically, you may want to remove the copyright notice from copies as well. Or you may opt to remove the notice only from any copies made in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that removing a copyright notice does not remove copyright protection in any way. Don't assume a work with no notice is not copyrighted.

References

• U.S. Copyright Office: Copyright Law: Copyright Notice, Deposit, and Registration