how do you protect your artwork?

Pheenix wrote

on 13 Jan 2011 7:47 PM

I am new to this. How do I protect my artwork from others copying it or using it? Is it expensive to copyright?

Paul Sullivan wrote

on 15 Jan 2011 10:25 AM

Pheenix—

As soon as you complete a original work, you automatically have copyright protection on it. Copyright gives you the exclusive rights to display, reproduce or make derivatives of the work. You do not have to register a copyright.

In some cases, it may be good to have a complete statement of copyright displayed on the work. This amounts to the copyright symbol (circle-c) followed by your name and year. A full statement of copyright may make some people think twice before using the work. Many artists, myself included, think a full copyright statement is more "heavy -duty" than is necessary. If someone is using your work, simply send them a notice to "cease and desist". This usually stops any unpermitted usage. Such a notice packs more punch coming from an attorney.

If you anticipate having to go to court and sue for money, you are in a much better position with a registered copyright. However, this should not be necessary except in cases of gross violation. For more information on all of this including the registration process, there is a wealth of information on the Internet—just Google "artist copyright protection".

Remember, it is your execution of the work that is copyrighted, not the idea. 

Paul Sullivan

http://www.paulsullivanstudio.com

j.b2 wrote

on 15 Jan 2011 8:17 PM

How do I protect my work?

A large German Shepard standing guard at all times in the studio!!

Oh, you mean copyright. Paul's reply is right on the money!!!

Pheenix wrote

on 18 Jan 2011 7:11 AM

cute LOL

Pheenix wrote

on 18 Jan 2011 7:16 AM

Paul,

You seem to know alot about the subject and I REALLY appreciate all of you input. Can you elaborate on the statement:

"its your execution of the work that is copyrighted not the idea.."   Do you mean that someone can come along and do a piece of the same subject matter or pose? That I can understand... its cool, but What about a sculpture, needlework, digitally modified print, or multimedia work, of a photo or painting?

Paul Sullivan wrote

on 18 Jan 2011 9:35 AM

Pheenix—

You asked about my closing statement, "Remember, it is your execution of the work that is copyrighted, not the idea."  

Perhaps I should not have included that statement without more explanation. It is, however, a very simple principle. The legal issues section of the Art Community website explains it better than I can, "What is protected? Copyright protects the form of an idea, but not the idea. For example, you can't protect the idea of a cat, but you can protect your painting, photograph, or sculpture of a cat. Names, titles, and slogans are not protected." 

Putting it another way—lets say you have an idea of a barn and a few trees and you give form to that idea with a painting. Your painting of a barn and trees is copyrighted the moment you have completed it. However, the simple idea of a barn and trees can not be copyrighted. The only time you would be concerned is if someone used your painting of a barn and trees. I hope this offers explanation. 

Paul Sullivan

http://www.paulsullivanstudio.com

Darrel Morris wrote

on 16 Jun 2011 1:10 PM

In over twenty years as an artist I've never had a problem with anyone stealing my work. I'm sure it happens. I've known a couple of photographers that have had images stolen or used without being paid for them, but I've never experienced it myself.

KatPaints wrote

on 16 Jun 2011 4:15 PM

Unless you are doing commercial or design work, or are really well established in a large art community, don't worry about someone stealing. Just do the work.

hieulebui wrote

on 19 Jun 2011 12:50 PM

How would I protect my artwork?

By hiring a really good Jewish lawyer of course.