Over the past two months, we’ve been exploring the many great mysteries in the intellectual property world to help clients and readers understand what can and can’t be registered. We previously looked at Things You Might Not Know Can Be Patented and Things You Might Not Know Can Be Trademarked. As we continue highlighting the importance and scope of various IP registrations, we’re exploring things you might not know can be copyrighted.
Know Your IP Part 3: Things You Might Not Know Can Be Copyrighted
Over the past two months, we’ve been exploring the many great mysteries in the intellectual property world to help clients and readers understand what can and can’t be registered.
Catherine Cavella, ESQ.
Over the past two months, we’ve been exploring the many great mysteries in the intellectual property world to help clients and readers understand what can and can’t be registered. We previously looked at Things You Might Not Know Can Be Patented and Things You Might Not Know Can Be Trademarked.
As we continue highlighting the importance and scope of various IP registrations, we’re exploring things you might not know can be copyrighted. These elements are merely a reminder of the grand scope of IP protection and how your business or entrepreneurial venture can benefit from it.
Software Code
In today’s digital age, software code is a cornerstone of many businesses. What you may not know is software code itself is eligible for copyright protection. This means that the specific way your code is written can be protected from unauthorized copying. While functional aspects of software are typically covered by patents, the actual lines of code, as long as they are original and creative, can be copyrighted.
Textile Design
Textile design offers two avenues for copyright protection: the artwork on the fabric and the actual print on the textile. Designers can protect their original artwork from being copied onto fabrics and other items without permission. Additionally, the specific way the design is printed onto the fabric can also be protected, ensuring that the entire process and the final product remain exclusive.
A Series of Blogs or Articles
Content creators often overlook the fact that a series of blogs or articles (like this current Know Your IP series we’ve put together) can be registered for copyright protection in groups. This means that instead of registering each piece individually, you can protect an entire series under one registration. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that regularly produce content, ensuring that their creative output remains protected from infringement. Registering a series also simplifies the process and reduces costs associated with individual registrations.
Choreographic Moves and Dances
Choreography is another area where copyright protection plays a significant role. The popularity of dances in video games like Fortnite has brought this issue into the spotlight recently. Various choreographers have taken legal action against these games for using their dance moves for profit without permission from the original artist(s). Copyrighting choreographic works ensures that creators can control the use of their original dance moves and seek recourse if others use them without authorization.
Web Pages
Web pages themselves are also eligible for copyright protection. This includes the unique layout, design elements, and written content of the site. By copyrighting your web pages, you can prevent others from copying the overall look and feel of your site, as well as the specific content it contains. This protection is particularly important in the digital age, where websites serve as the face of your business and a critical point of engagement with customers.
Vessel Hull Designs
Designing vessel hulls requires a special copyright registration process, but it provides essential protection for those in the maritime industry. The design of a vessel’s hull, which includes the shape and contour, can be copyrighted to prevent unauthorized copying. This protection ensures that innovative designs remain exclusive, providing a competitive edge in the market. Given the specialized nature of vessel hull designs, it’s advisable to consult with a copyright attorney who has experience in this niche.
Circuit Board Designs
Circuit board designs are another often overlooked area of copyright protection. The specific layout and design of a circuit board can be copyrighted, ensuring that competitors cannot replicate your unique configurations. This protection is critical in industries where circuit board design is a key aspect of product development and innovation. By securing copyright protection, businesses can safeguard their technological advancements and maintain their competitive advantage.
Secure Your Rights with IP Works Law
At IP Works Law, our experienced attorneys understand the broad scope of copyright protections. We work directly with our clients to secure necessary protections for their innovations and ideas, ensuring they stand out from the competition. Let us help you turn your creativity into exclusive, protected intellectual property. Contact IP Works Law to POWER YOUR IDEAS®.
Catherine Cavella
