Copyright: The Complete Guide to Free Protection

Whether you are an author, photographer, developer, musician or entrepreneur, understanding copyright is essential to protecting your creations. This complete guide covers everything you need to know: definition, © symbol, protection duration, Berne Convention and free deposit methods.

What is copyright?

Copyright ("right to copy") is a set of exclusive rights automatically granted to the author of an original work. It allows them to control the reproduction, distribution, adaptation and communication of their creation to the public.

Copyright applies to any creative work that shows originality, with no requirement for merit or artistic quality. Here are the main categories of protected works:

  • • Literary works: novels, articles, poems, theses, scripts
  • • Artistic works: paintings, sculptures, photographs, illustrations
  • • Musical works: compositions, lyrics, arrangements
  • • Audiovisual works: films, videos, animations
  • • Software: source code, interfaces, databases
  • • Digital creations: websites, designs, infographics

Copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, methods or facts. Only the form of expression is protected.

Copyright vs Moral Rights: key differences

The terms "copyright" and "droit d'auteur" (moral rights) are often used interchangeably, but they cover distinct legal systems. For more details, see our copyright definition page.

Criteria Copyright (common law) Moral rights (civil law)
Philosophy Protects economic investment Protects the author's personality
Moral rights Limited (attribution right only) Perpetual, inalienable (attribution, integrity, disclosure, withdrawal)
Initial holder Can be the employer (work for hire) Always the individual author
Transferability All rights are transferable Economic rights transferable, moral rights not
Formality Registration recommended (US Copyright Office) No formality required

In practice, the Berne Convention harmonizes both systems: a work created in one member country is automatically protected in all 180 others.

The copyright symbol ©

The © symbol (a C enclosed in a circle) is the universal sign of copyright. It is used to inform the public that a work is protected. For everything about this symbol (keyboard shortcuts, HTML codes, SVG and PNG versions), see our dedicated copyright symbol © page.

The standard format for a copyright notice is:

© [Year] [Rights holder name]. All rights reserved.

To learn more about the "All rights reserved" notice and use our free generator, visit our All Rights Reserved page.

Reminder: the © symbol is not mandatory in Berne Convention countries. Copyright applies automatically.

The Berne Convention

The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (1886) is the pillar of international copyright law. It establishes three fundamental principles:

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Automatic protection

No formality required. The work is protected upon creation.

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National treatment

Foreign works receive the same protection as domestic works.

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Minimum duration

At least 50 years after the author's death (70 years in the EU and US).

Today, 181 countries are signatories to the Berne Convention, covering virtually the entire planet.

Duration and validity of protection

Copyright duration varies by country and type of work:

Region / Country Protection duration Notes
European Union 70 years post-mortem Directive 2006/116/EC
United States 70 years post-mortem Works created after 1978
Canada 70 years post-mortem Since December 30, 2022
Japan 70 years post-mortem Since 2018 (TPP agreement)
Berne minimum 50 years post-mortem Floor guaranteed by the Convention

After expiration, the work enters the public domain: it can be freely reproduced, adapted and distributed by anyone.

How to get copyright for free

Copyright is automatic. You don't need to do anything to "get" copyright: it arises as soon as your work is created in a tangible form.

However, having proof of the creation date is essential in case of dispute. Here are the recommended methods:

1

Create your free account on Copyright01

Sign up in 30 seconds, no credit card required.

2

Deposit your file

Upload your work (all formats accepted: PDF, image, source code, music, video…).

3

Receive your certificate

Certificate with SHA-256/SHA-512 fingerprint, certified timestamp and unique verification code. Valid in 181 countries.

The Copyright01 certificate constitutes enforceable proof of prior existence, recognized by courts under the Berne Convention.

Deposit for free

Frequently asked questions about copyright

Is copyright free?
Yes. Copyright is an automatic and free right. You don't need to pay anything to benefit from copyright protection. Depositing proof of prior existence on Copyright01.com is also free for your first works.
What is the difference between copyright and a patent?
Copyright protects creative works (texts, images, music, software). A patent protects technical inventions. Copyright is automatic; a patent requires filing with an industrial property office (USPTO, EPO).
Can I copyright my name or logo?
An original logo can be protected by copyright. A business name or brand does not fall under copyright but under trademark law (registration with the USPTO or EUIPO).
Does copyright apply on the Internet?
Yes. Copyright applies to all works, regardless of their medium. A text, image or video published on the Internet is protected exactly like a work published on paper.
What should I do if my copyright is violated?
Start by documenting the violation (screenshots, URLs). Send a takedown request (DMCA in the United States, cease and desist in other countries). If necessary, present your Copyright01 certificate as proof of prior existence in court.
Does copyright protect in all countries?
The Berne Convention covers 181 countries, representing virtually the entire planet. The few non-signatory countries often provide protection through other treaties (Universal Copyright Convention, TRIPS/WTO agreements).

Protect your creations now

Join creators who trust Copyright01 to protect their works in 181 countries.

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