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If you would like to register a Copyright in the U.S, click here: Copyright Registrations USA
In South Africa, you will not have to do any copyright registrations to get protection against the unlicensed usage of your literary, music, software programming, broadcasting, film or art work. It is automatically assigned the moment that the idea is materialised in one of the above forms.
Although great, since it will be a lengthy process to first get copyright protection through copyright registrations for every article you write, the problem is just that. It will take too long and it will quickly hinder the knowledge growth around the world.
Information needs to be current and as such an author who for instance, writes on the latest fashion trends, will find that the article is outdated by the time it is published.
For the above reasons, copyright registrations are not required in South Africa. It doesn’t however mean that you don’t have to do so. If you write an e-book, you will do well to simply register the copyright online and to provide a list of terms and conditions when selling the e-book.
You can sell it with full master rights or simply as an e-book which cannot be copied and distributed without your express written consent.
Copyright registrations are best handled by intellectual property lawyers and should you find that copyright infringement of your work has taken place afterwards, you will be in a better position to take legal steps. In addition, you will also have more grounds for demanding a higher amount for damages.
If you need assistance with copyright issues, contact us at Smit & Van Wyk today.
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