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If this question pops-up, you’re probably thinking of using an image or text created by someone else and possibly copyrighted. How to know if a design is ready for commercial use?
We have prepared a visual copyright guide of what you can not use
More detailed information can be found in our Intellectual Property Guide.
Can I print this?
This article is for educational purposes only, not for commercial use. Images used in this article are the property of their authors and cannot be used for commercial purposes.
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FAQ
Copyright is a legal protection that gives creators the exclusive right to use, copy, and distribute their original works. This includes books, music, films, art, software, and even marketing materials. It ensures that only the creator (or those they license) can profit from their work.
Examples of copyright include novels, movies, logos, songs, blog posts, and even t-shirt designs. For instance, Disney owns the copyright to Mickey Mouse illustrations, and musicians hold copyright over their recorded songs. Everyday creators also own copyright over their original designs and written content.
When you copyright a work, you legally secure your ownership of it. This means others can’t reproduce, sell, or use it without permission. If someone infringes, you can take legal action to stop them and seek damages.
Copyright protects original creative works like art, writing, or music. Patents, on the other hand, protect inventions, processes, or new technologies. For example, a book is covered by copyright, while a new type of printer could be covered by a patent.
In most countries, copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 70 years after their death. For corporate works, it often lasts 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever comes first. Laws may vary by country, so always check local regulations.
Ideas, facts, methods, short phrases, and works in the public domain are not protected by copyright. For example, you can’t copyright the idea of “a superhero story,” but you can copyright your specific characters, script, or artwork. US Copyright Office guidelines provide detailed lists of what qualifies.
