Get the copyright lowdown

Whether you want to copyright your work or use somebody else's, you need to know the rules. Many business owners are what a copyright really is, who can claim copyright, how to properly secure a copyright and other key issues.

I recommend: The free online guide to Copyright Basics from the U.S. Copyright Office has answers to all common copyright questions. The basic copyright registration fee is $45.

Know whether it's protected

Check the copyright status of intellectual works, and look for name changes and transfers of ownership.

I recommend: The U.S. Copyright Office offers three copyright-search databases dating back to 1978.

Step-by-step registration procedures

Copyright registration is a legal formality that establishes a public record of the basic facts of your copyright.

I recommend: While registration is not required for you to own a copyright, the law offers several advantages to encourage copyright owners to register. The Copyright Office has complete registration details for different types of works.

Ask before using

A letter asking permission to use copyrighted material can be short and sweet, but it must cover certain basics about how the work will be used.

I recommend: A one-page sample request to use copyrighted material is available at U.S. Legal Forms.

Give permission to others

Make sure you put in writing all the details — payment, restrictions on location, defined use, credit given, purpose and more — when someone wants to use your copyrighted work.

I recommend: Juris Documents provides a form for an agreement to use copyrighted material.

Notify unauthorized users

Let someone know when they've used your work without permission — that's why you registered copyright in the first place.

I recommend: Find a notice of infringement form at AllBusiness.