Cartoons Copywritten or Copyrighted ? Yes!

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What is Copyright?

Which types of work are subject to copyright?

Copyright ownership gives the owner the exclusive right to use the work, with some exceptions. When a person creates an original work, fixed in a tangible medium, he or she automatically owns copyright to the work.

Many types of works are eligible for copyright protection, for example:

• Audiovisual works, such as TV shows, movies, and online videos

• Sound recordings and musical compositions

• Written works, such as lectures, articles, books, and musical compositions

• Visual works, such as paintings, posters, and advertisements

• Video games and computer software

• Dramatic works, such as plays and musicals

The Copyright Office has information online, and you can check with a lawyer if you want to know more.

Can I use content from a work that’s protected by copyright?

Copyright holders have the right to control most uses of their works. In some circumstances, it's possible to use a copyright-protected work without infringing their copyright:

• You've checked with the copyright holder, who has allowed you to use the content. It's a good idea to get written permission from them, for example, in the form of a license agreement.

• Some copyright holders make their works available to others for uncompensated reuse, with a few requirements. To learn more, you can read about Creative Commons licenses.

• In some cases, you can use content from a work that’s protected by copyright without getting permission from the copyright holder. That's because some uses of copyrighted works are considered "fair use" or may fall within a limitation or exception to copyright law such as fair dealing. If you're not sure whether the use you’re considering is legal without permission, you may wish to consult a lawyer.

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