As social media content and influencers continue to make an increasingly large impact, it begs the question of whether their content is or can be protected. Luckily for them, a new group copyright registration option is available for short online content, such as blogs, articles, and social media posts. In fact, people may even be able to register the comments they make on a social media post as copyrighted in specific circumstances.
Multiple Works in One Application
According to the U.S. Copyright Office, this new registration option allows for up to 50 pieces of content so long as they meet the requirements for eligibility. To be eligible, the same person(s) must have created all works on a single application and each individual work must be between 50 and 17,500 words. Although the application is limited to 50 literary works, there is no limit on the number of applications that one can file.
Additionally, in order to receive protection, all works listed on the same application must have initially been published online as part of a website, newspaper, social media/networking platform, or other online platform and must have been published within three calendar months.
Groups Concerned with Adverse Affects
But not everyone is happy about this new rule. The Authors Guild, the Copyright Alliance, and other groups are concerned with potentially adverse effects on the requirements of current copyrights and copyright ownership. However, the Copyright Office argues that this new option is intended to be narrow in nature and is intended for bloggers and other online authors who publish a lot of short works online that they wish to protect but do not have the resources to be able to protect them all under the current copyright process.
The Copyright Office also notes that the new registration option doesn’t allow for the registration of assigned works or those made for hire; only the original author may be the copyright claimant.
Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser Can Help Protect Your Inventions and Your Right
If you or a loved one has an issue with product or procedure that you wish to have protected, or if you have an existing intellectual property that you believe is being infringed upon, it is in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced IP attorney in order to determine your best options.
At Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser, our qualified IP attorneys can help you to navigate the appropriate application process or can help to defend your IP and your rights regarding any infringement. To learn more about the IP prosecution process or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Trademarks