Copyright Notice

All of the images on this website are copyrighted original works of art by Lawrence Beck and are protected by United States and international copyright law. In addition, all images have been digitally watermarked in order that they can be identified when used without the permission of the author.

Reproduction and/or distribution of any images on this website by all means and media now known or hereafter discovered, including, without limitation, print, microform, and electronic media, as well as the right to display and transmit the work publicly on-line without prior written consent from the owner of these images is expressly prohibited.

Copyright FAQs

1. When is my work protected?

Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form so that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

2. Does my work have to be published to be protected?

Publication is not necessary for copyright protection.

3. How long does a copyright last?

The Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, signed into law on October 27, 1998,amends the provisions concerning duration of copyright protection. Effective immediately, the terms of copyright are generally extended for an additional 20years. Specific provisions are as follows:

* For works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection will endure for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. In the case of a joint work, the term lasts for 70 years after the last surviving author's death. For anonymous and pseudonymous works and works made for hire, the term will be 95 years from the year of first publication or 120 years from the year of creation, whichever expires first;

* For works created but not published or registered before January 1, 1978, the term endures for life of the author plus 70 years, but in no case will expire earlier than December 31, 2002. If the work is published before December 31, 2002, the term will not expire before December 31, 2047.

4. Could I be sued for using somebody else's work? How about quotes or samples?

If you use a copyrighted work without authorization, the owner may be entitled to bring an infringement action against you. There are circumstances under the fair use doctrine where a quote or a sample may be used without permission. However, in cases of doubt, the Copyright Office recommends that permission be obtained.

5. Is my copyright good in other countries?

The United States has copyright relations with more than 100 countries throughout the world, and as a result of these agreements, we honor each other's citizensŐ copyrights. However, the United States does not have such copyright relationships with every country. For a listing of countries and the nature of their copyright relations with the United States, see Circular 38a, International Copyright Relations of the United States.

6. What is a copyright notice? How do I put a copyright notice on my work?

A copyright notice is an identifier placed on copies of the work to inform the world of copyright ownership. While use of a copyright notice was once required as a condition of copyright protection, it is now optional. Use of the notice does not require advance permission from, or registration with, the Copyright Office.

Use of the © notice informs the public that the work is protected by copyright, identifies the copyright owner, and shows the year of first publication. Furthermore, in the event that a work is infringed, if the work carries a proper notice, the court will not give any weight to a defendant's interposition of an innocent infringement defence - that is, that he or she did not realize that the work was protected.