ABSTRACT
Copyright, trademarks and patents are typically grouped into an area of the law known as intellectual property. This chapter deals exclusively with copyright law, which has a substantial impact on the practice of advertising and public relations. Along with historical background of this “limited monopoly” and its roots in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, this chapter provides an overview of the types of works protected by copyright law, the copyright owners’ exclusive rights, the extent and duration of those rights, and the process for registering and transferring copyright ownership. Also featured is a discussion of the elements of copyright infringement and the “safe harbor” provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
