Intellectual Property FAQs

• Q: How Much Do I Have To Change In My Own Work To Make A New Claim Of Copyright?
  A: You may make a new claim in your work if the changes are substantial and creative­something more than just editorial changes or minor changes. This would qualify … More
• Q: How Much Do I Have To Change In Order To Claim Copyright In Someone Else's Work?
  A: Only the owner of copyright in a work has the right to prepare, or to authorize someone else to create a new version of that work. Accordingly, you cannot claim … More
• Q: How Do I Get My Work Into The Library Of Congress?
  A: Copies of works deposited for copyright registration or in fulfillment of the mandatory deposit requirement are available to the Library of Congress for its … More
• Q: What Is A Library Of Congress Number?
  A: The Library of Congress Card Catalog Number is assigned by the Library at its discretion to assist librarians in acquiring and cataloging works. For further … More
• Q: What Is An Isbn Number?
  A: The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is administered by the R. R. Bowker Company 877­310­7333 [http://www.bowker.com]. The ISBN is a numerical … More
• Q: What Is A Work Made For Hire?
  A: Although the general rule is that the person who creates the work is its author, there is an exception to that principle; the exception is a work made for hire, which … More
• Q: How Do I Collect Royalties?
  A: The collection of royalties is usually a matter of private arrangements between an author and publisher or other users of the author`s work. The Copyright Office plays … More
• Q: Somebody Infringed My Copyright. What Can I Do?
  A: A party may seek to protect his or her copyrights against unauthorized use by filing a civil lawsuit in Federal district court. If you believe that your copyright has … More
• Q: What Is Works Made For Hire And How Does It Affect Copyright Ownership?
  A: Special laws govern the ownership of copyright materials that are created by individuals who work for your business. Works created in employment situations may be an … More
• Q: What Is The Definition Of An Independent Contractor?
  A: In determining the status of a worker as an independent contractor, the party in control of the actual work is key. An independent contractor has license to decide … More
• Q: How Do I Get Permission To Use Somebody Else's Work?
  A: You can ask for it. If you know who the copyright owner is, you may contact the owner directly. If you are not certain about the ownership or have other related … More