copyright question
if i make a game,design my own characters,would i have to get them copyright so no one else can steal them,or is it the case when my game is released i can prove that i have designed the characters my self. im just worried that being a nobody in the game area that someone else could steal my characters and make a better game thanks
paul
paul
Comments
Just my 2 cents (I'm not a native english speaker, so please excuse my poor language), copyright is owned by the creator of: the idea, video, book, photo, picture, drawing, software, other pieces of art etc. The creator doesn't have to write under his work that this is his property and you cannot use it in any way, that exceeds the personal use - His work IS ALWAYS protected by international law.
You can use anything as the personal use, without a permission. Examples of personal use:
1. You can show the movie on DVD that you own to anyone from your friends and family, but you cannot rent it, or make public (for example on the Internet or in cinema).
2. You can have someone's photo on the computer, or in the frame on your desk, you can copy it and give it to your friend, but you can't make any profit from it, or use it in any form of advertisement.
So, please remember that (shortcut):
1. Everything that is made from an idea is protected by international copyrights. It include for example: texts (but not short news), photos, drawings, paitings, sculptures, books, videos, movies, scripts, software etc. But it dosn't include things such as: furniture (but not a unique pieces of art furniture), short news etc.
2. Copyrights are valid, and protected by international law even if the creator doesn't write anything about it (for example: he doesn't have to write that his photo XXXX is protected and he own the copyrights). Copyrights are valid always.
3. You can use anything that is protected by international copyrights if you use it in the personal use. I wrote few examples above.
4. Copyrights are valid till the creator dies (I don't remember how many years have to past after his death). After that, his works belongs to everyone. So you can publish for example all books wrote by Shakespeare and make profit from it. Of course there are exceptions.
5. If the law cannot identify the creator of (for example) a painting or book, the copyrights are no longer valid (see the 4th point).
6. You can make quotes, but you HAVE to write an author and a source.
7. You can make a parody of anything, but it could be tought to protect it in the court.
That's all I think... But if I remember anything else, I will write it.
2. However, you MUST let people know that you own the copyright (i.e. the right to copy or reproduce!)
You do this by attaching a copyright notice to your work ... © ( [Option] + [ g ] on the Macs) date (year) owner's name.... EX: ©2011-MotherHoose would be mine.
in a game ... you would place this notice on the Title Scene and in the Credits Scene.
(you do not have to place on individual actors/images)
if you chose, you have up to 5 years to Register your Copyright with the US government... technically, the Copyright Office does like you to Register within 3 months if your work is published.
fee is $35.00 for electronic filing...
your notice of © is valid in most all countries.
Me, I consider just the notice-of-copyright adequate.... for my needs.
MH
To quote US Copyright Office:
"U.S. law, however, still provides certain advantages for use of a copyright notice; for example, the use of a copyright notice can defeat a defense of “innocent infringement.”
Eliminates those defenses of "It was free"... or "I bought it, so I own it."
US duration of copyright is 70 years after creator's death... some other countries 50 years after death.
MH