Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Registering Your Copyright - Pros and Cons

Artists often wonder if they should or shouldn't spend the time, money, and effort to register their copyright. There are some distinct advantages to registering with the US copyright office but there are also disadvantages - some of which you might not have thought of. In the following video I give information from 96 professional illustrators. I asked them if they register their copyrights - their answers might surprise you. In the end it's always good to educate yourself on this subject so you can make the decision for yourself. If you want more information the US Copyright Office has a great FAQ section here.

11 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. This is something that I have often contemplated. I'm familiar with some of the pros and cons of registering your copyright, but I was never sure if it was worth the time and effort in doing so.

    I'm always glad to hear from you. You put things forth in a way that is clear to me.

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    1. Thank you Jennifer! One thing that I'm hearing a lot is that in licensing markets people get ripped off a lot - so I want to be sure to pass that on :)

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  3. I have to say I am firmly in your camp on this one Will. I have always been the "I probably should register but never have" guy. I have been infringed a few times, like the time an AD comped one of my paintings into a layout for Bausch and Lomb and then when we couldn't agree on a price, gave it to another illustrator. I saw the brochure at my eye doctor later and the other artist pretty much copied my painting (badly I might add). By then I had tossed the AD info and couldn't remember how to get to them to pursue it. I had a small theater steal my Brighton Beach Memoirs art for their website (squashed proportionally no less) but a cease and desist fax scared them into a removal and an apology. The most recent was a Chinese airline in flight magazine that stole a piece (bad resolution) but how to do fight someone halfway across the world and in another language? I figure it is the price you pay and the risk you take to be visible. I try not to waste much time thinking about it and focus on making good art.

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    1. Good insights Greg - you've had more experience with this than I have. I've always wondered if someone would print from a low res image...

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  4. You probably should reconsider posting this because if someone takes your advice, which is not sound, and gets in trouble, they could hold you responsible.

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  5. Thank you for your concern.

    I'm very happy with the advice I gave for the following reasons. 1) It's opinion not advice. 2) I clearly stated that there are reasons to register your copy rights. 3) I clearly stated that gaining peace of mind is a good reason to register. 4.) I clearly stated that registering your copy right makes you eligible to receive statutory damages in court.

    It is your opinion that my advice is not sound. It is my opinion that you are wrong.

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  6. I'm in your court Will. I could spend my life policing my work or making more work is the way I look at it. I enjoy making it far more than policing it. Yep, I've been infringed upon, and a few times people have tried to steal original works, Again, I figure if they do this on a regular basis, it WILL catch up with them, so I won't waste my time trying to do evil to them, or even seeking retribution (see making more work part). Now if you could just hit on that green-eyed part, because I envy your use of color and design. Nah. I'll just work harder at it. Great post as always.

    Agy Wilson, one day, I'll memorize ALL my passwords correctly, lol.

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  7. That's such a healthy attitude Agy - you will live long and prosper :) and thanks for the compliment!

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  8. Great post for conversation and thoughts artists' need to consider Will!! Can I guest post this over at Once Upon A Sketch please??

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  9. Very informative. Great to hear coming from a true professional

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