Comments on: How to Copyright a Book in 3 Simple Steps [Lawyer-Approved]

By: Sammy

Sammy — Wed, 12 May 2021 13:21:36 +0000

Writing a book explaining a sport. This means the description of players positions and sections of playing field, the way certain plays are described. I am worried about plagiarism, since there are many versions written about this sport. The book is my explanation of the sport.

By: Bill Shook

Bill Shook — Sun, 09 May 2021 22:18:23 +0000

Hi,

My cartoon cartoons were published in local newspapers in Southern California in 1987. I put copyright notices on the cartoons then. Years later I made more based on the same character but did not publish them. I have some of the original newspapers but don’t have every edition that my cartoons were in.

Some people have asked me to put together a book of my cartoons. Possibly for sale on Amazon etc. I want to register the book (comic book?) at the copyright office but don’t know what dates I should put in the registration.

I will be continuing the cartoon.

Can you help me with registration?

Thanks,

Bill

By: Mike Shelton

Mike Shelton — Fri, 07 May 2021 17:05:49 +0000

I’ve registered all my books with the Library of Congress and note that number in my books. Does that offer any protection if I haven’t officially copyrighted through the copyright office, and what is the purpose of the library of congress registration vs. the copyright?
Also, if I copyright after the fact it sounds like I have to physically send a copy of all my books to the copyright office. Yikes!
Thanks

By: Renatt Lavoie

Renatt Lavoie — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 19:25:55 +0000

Hi everyone!
Has anyone used Creative Commons for their copyright license?
Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Thank you!
-RL

By: Dave Chesson

Dave Chesson — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 21:53:34 +0000

In reply to Liam. I'm not sure.

By: Liam

Liam — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 21:36:19 +0000

Hi Dave, can you or anyone sound off on this? I’m in Canada. If I register my copyright in Canada, what happens if it’s infringed upon by someone in the States (or elsewhere)? Or do I have to register in Canada, in the States, and other nations?

By: Dave Chesson

Dave Chesson — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 21:55:37 +0000

In reply to Eric Augustine Lopez. No to the first question, and the second, not sure.

By: Eric Augustine Lopez

Eric Augustine Lopez — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 02:58:57 +0000

Hello Dave. Thanks for your help in clarifying copyright questions and concerns. Do I need a copyright for my book title and cover design? Also, do I need permission to use a line from a song, or use the song performer’s name? I just finished writing my first book, and will self-publish. I want to get it right from the start. Thanks again!

By: Dave Chesson

Dave Chesson — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 13:22:11 +0000

In reply to Giorgio. Uh...that depends on a lot and in truth that might skirt on infringement.

By: Giorgio

Giorgio — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:17:08 +0000

Hi Dave, thank you so much for writing such a useful article on how to copyright. I’ve just started writing my first nonfiction book and I’d to know if I could draw some inspiration from sources like blog posts and websites without contravening copyright laws. What I mean is if I can “rework” these information creating something new and original. Thanks very much for your time.

By: Dave Chesson

Dave Chesson — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 02:00:11 +0000

In reply to Ana. Probably not

By: Ana

Ana — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 17:20:44 +0000

This was an awesome article! Thank you so much for making this clearer. My book’s title is similar to another published and popular book, only 1 word is different. Is that considered to be a copyright infringement?