Today’s younger generation may not be aware of Copyright laws. The Digital Age allows access to media more freely than ever before. Youngsters may be in violation of the law and not know they are.
Why is copyright important?
Copyright protection is essential to the development and distribution of new media and ideas. Without this protection, writers, artists, photographers, and the like would have no way of controlling how their work is presented, printed, distributed, etc. Many young aspiring artists are not aware of the changing atmosphere of their chosen creative careers.
How does copyright work?
It’s important to note that these creative products are NOT required to first be published in order to have copyright protection. As soon a pen meets paper or a music note is recorded, the copyright for that work automatically comes into existence. Voila! It’s quite magical. Through the protection of the Copyright Act, the creator has exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, or display his or her creative property.
Does Generation Z know the law?
According to www.riaa.com, those who violate the law could face serious jail time and even a felony. Fines of up to $250,000 illustrate the seriousness of property protection. With video websites such as YouTube or free music-streaming apps like Pandora, it wouldn’t be a surprise to find someone of Generation Z who is under the impression that media is a freely accessible entity. It’s important to educate up and coming young adults and to advocate the importance of publisher rights.
Would you like to learn more?
For more information regarding copyright, please visit the US Copyright Office website: www.copyright.gov. Copyright is a great basis of protection for your creations! It’s important to be aware of your rights and to apply them accordingly.
Sources used in the writing of this article:
Tonya Evans-Walls, “Transferring Your Rights and Getting Them Back,” in Contracts Companion for Writers. (Philadelphia: Legal Write Publications, 2007), 14.