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This guide is designed to provide basic, general information about copyright, and does not constitute legal advice. The links to third party sites in this guide are provided for your convenience. College of the Redwoods does not take responsibility for the content of these other sites.
Copyright protects original “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works,” which includes two- and three-dimensional works of fine, graphic, and applied art. Under certain circumstances, these works should be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. For more information on Copyright Law, visual arts, and the registration requirement, please see the Copyright Office Circular #40,linked below. Other links provide more specific detail on various aspects of copyright law relevant to artists.
The websites listed below provide current and helpful information on the copyright issues facing creators and performers.
Architecture
10 Things to Know about Architecture Copyright
What Every Architect Should Know about Copyright Law
Getting Permission to Use Architectural Works
Dance
Copyright of Choreographic Works
Best Practices in Fair Use of Dance-related Materials
Music
Music Copyright Tutorials (videos)
Photography
The Photographer's Copyright (journal article)
Theatre
Copyright Law for Theatre Directors and Actors
Inspiration or Imitation: Copyright Protection for Stage Directions (journal article)
Visual Arts
Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts
Copyright and Art: Issues that Matter to Creators and Users