Class Work for Wednesday 21-10-15

Task 1

1)  Can you copyright an idea?

There is no Copyright in an idea, the work needs to be physical for it to be copyrighted. As soon as the work is recorded it can be copyrighted to stop others using it without your permission.

2)  What sort of material does copyright protect?

The law does not give specific answers for works that can and cannot be copyrighted. However it does mention musical, dramatic, artistic and literary works. 

Artistic work such as paintings, drawings, photos, and architectural work such as plans and models are acceptable to be copyrighted.

Literary works such as poems, books, letter, documents and reports are also acceptable to be copyrighted.

Musical compositions are allowed to be copyrighted.

Movies, music videos, choreographies and mimes can also be copyrighted if they are set in writing.

3)  Is there an official registration system for copyright?

If you register online, you will need to upload the files you wish to be protected and pay a fee to have it done. There is no limit to the amount of data you can use in a single submission and it can happen within minutes. 
You can also register by post for the larger pieces of material that cannot be uploaded online. You will need to include the payment within the package as well.

4)  What steps can you take to help prove that you own the copyright to a particular piece of work?

When you copyright a piece of work, you will get a statement proving it. However, putting a copyright notice on you work would be relevant to prove you own it.

5)  How long does copyright last for?

With literary, dramatic, artistic, musical work, films and video work. They can be copyrighted up to 70 years after the creator has died.

6)  What do you need to do to use a piece of copyright material?

To gain permission you would need to request it through the creator of the work. You will need to discuss with them why you would be using their work and for what purposes. You will then come to an agreement with payment and whether they would like to have their name within the title to give them credit. 

Task 2

1) Will you be using all your own original material or will you be incorporating some existing material into your work?

Most of the material I will be using will be my own, however if I need to pay homage to an artist or show material or images that I can not film/create myself, I will have to use existing material.

2) What are the copyright implications?

Copyright makes sure the creator remain in control of their work and can distribute them to whoever they like with their permission.

Whoever wants to use copyrighted material needs to purchase permission to use it. They will need to pay extra fees to make copies of parts of the work.

3) How do you plan to get over these?

I plan to get over these by seeking permission from the owner of the material i am using and to if needed, to pay a fee.
I will also make sure the creator of the material is recognised and included within the work I use of theirs.