E-Publishing and the Importance of Copyright

With the popularity of e-books and growth of the technology to support them, electronic publishing has become a lot easier. Yet with that ease and a wide open marketplace, it becomes even more important you take the necessary steps to protect your creative work with a copyright.

Find out more about Copyrights

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e publishing and the importance of copyright

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Updated on: March 23, 2023
Read time: 2 min

The Internet has given book publishers and other content providers an entirely new way to provide content. An independent author with minimal resources can make his or her work accessible to a global audience. But we all know what happens when you post something online: You can never get it back. Which makes it even more important for e-publishers to know the importance of copyright.

According to copyright.gov, the online face of the U.S. Copyright Office, a copyright is grounded in the U.S. Constitution and protects your "original works of authorship." An e-book, for example, is considered a written work and receives copyright protection.

People with original creative work can opt to register with the US Copyright Office in case any legal action related to their work arises. Without a formal and registered copyright, proving one's authorship in court may present a challenge. Plus, a formal copyright can sometimes help with intellectual property protection on an international level.

As it currently stands, e-publishing is covered with copyright protection—a copyright that covers print also covers use of that work on the Internet, including through audio and video. However, for many authors and content providers a two-in-one print and online copyright isn't enough. One argument is that where it would require some skill and time to duplicate or distribute a printed work, an electronic document can be copied and distributed in a matter of seconds and with minimal skill.

To limit unauthorized distribution of protected content, the e-publishing industry, like the music industry, utilizes DRM, or digital rights management. DRM allows publishers to control creative work once it's out of their hands. For e-publishers, DRM protection can limit what a reader can do with an e-book, such as printing it or copying its text into another document, and even restrict the reader from sharing the file. 

With the recent surge in popularity of electronic readers and digital pads, the e-publishing industry has had to reevaluate distribution and protection of copyrighted content. Anything posted online is practically out there forever and with no control.

One step toward having control over your intellectual property is to safeguard one's work via copyright. Check out LegalZoom copyright services for more information and to get your original work protected.

Find out more about CopyrightsStart Now
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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

58 days ago
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Obtaining a Copyright

I had some questions about copyright, and he answered all of them. He was pleasant to talk to very professional. I was very pleased. I've been using legalzoom for many years, and I love you guys. Thank you.

NORINA PURRO
59 days ago
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Happy customer

Ms. Green, was very helpful in assisting me step-by-step in guiding through the process in getting my copyright application. She was patient and very polite. She offered to follow-up on my completed, make sure the process was successful.

Ayesha
65 days ago
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Superior Customer Service

Superior customer service and expertise from Patti Green. I have a urgent need for an attorney consultation regarding state level copyright law. Ms. Green quickly and seamlessly steered me to the plan which affords this service. The consult was immediately scheduled for the next day. To say the least, this experience was exemplary.

Guy Hampson
70 days ago
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Copyright registration

Karen helped me immensely during my copyright registration. Very patient. Carrie was alos very good over there.

rjparadee
114 days ago
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So far whenever I have tried to work…

So far whenever I have tried to work with Legal Zoom it has been a great experience. Both Holly and Denise have helped to make my tour of the legal process for a copyright excellent and I now have my copyright in my hands. I might add that I am amazed I got it under the oligarchy at all after doge got done.

Connie Lednum
108 days ago
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Great Copyright Registration Experience

Walked me through the process to register my copyright. Made everything quick and easy!

Cheryl C
127 days ago
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Your expertise and knowledge of my…

Your expertise and knowledge of my questions regarding my copyright I applied for was nothing less than stellar!

Lorenzo Vito
154 days ago
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Time and clarity

Thank you for your time and clarity explaining items from my behalf in regards to Copyright material. I also appreciate the no queue waiting on line when I called. I do recommend you.

Adriant Sanchez
162 days ago
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Elizabeth was AMAZING!!!

Elizabeth was AMAZING!!!, She walk me thru the whole copyright process. Thank you

Adewale Agboke Jr
170 days ago
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Very responsive and was able to answer…

Very responsive and was able to answer my questions about Copyright options quickly and professionally.

Daniel White
325 days ago
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Great customer service

Great customer service! The LegalZoom representative showed genuine care. She followed up on my Copyright Order, and remembered me and my name from the previous Copyright phone call. She was very helpful and represented LegalZoom with excellence. Thank you for hiring, and retaining such a talented energetic representative.

Joshua Earl
566 days ago
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Legal Zoom Delivers On Their Promises!

Legal Zoom is professional, accommodating, and gracious. We went to them for copyright help, and true to their promise, we accomplished this endeavor in 30 minutes. EASY!! What a fresh breath of air to find a company that delivers exactly what they say they will! We'll be a Legal Zoomers for life!

Alice Osborne
1204 days ago
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Better than "Uncle Sam"

I had to get a copyright done and got nowhere with the U.S. Government Copyright Office, it was a joke! Legal Zoom took care of it and had me "fixed up" in 5 minutes. Thank You, Legal Zoom!

Padu
1310 days ago
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Legal Zoom performance is exceptional

Legal Zoom his handled four copyright applications for me and they are exceptional.

C Robert Cales
1588 days ago
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Copyright application

I am a new author and am filing copyright for my manuscript. My experience with LegalZoom has been very successful and a pleasure. The associate was knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend this service.

DJS
1748 days ago
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LegalZoom's Guidance is the best

I'm applying for a copyright for the first time and I was very nervous. My status page told me there was a problem and I should call LegalZoom. Kirk explained it was just a simple confirmation that was needed and he took the time to explain why its needed and talked me through what happens next. LegalZoom is just the best thing for a first time business owner like myslef.

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