Benefits of Copyright Protection
Copyrighting your work offers numerous advantages. First, it enables you to take legal action in federal court against anyone who copies your original creation. It also provides clear evidence of validity, as registration within 5 years of publication results in a certificate from the Copyright Office. This certificate is crucial for proving your work’s protection in infringement cases. Additionally, copyright protection can lead to standard damages and legal fees, while publicly registering your work boosts customer trust and enhances brand awareness.
Consequences of Using Copyrighted Work Without Permission
Using someone else's copyrighted content without permission leads to copyright infringement. The owner of the copyright can take legal action against the infringer, including sending a cease-and-desist letter, which demands immediate cessation of the unauthorized use. They may also file a takedown notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), compelling web hosts and search engines to remove the infringing content. Infringement may result in fines, penalties, and reputational harm, potentially lowering your revenue and damaging your brand image. Furthermore, a permanent record of infringement could impact your future work operations.