AllExperts > Copyright & Patents 
Search      
Copyright & Patents
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Copyright & Patents Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Copyright & Patents Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Copyright & Patents
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Kacey Cahill
Expertise
I can answer general questions regarding patents, confidential information and trade secret law. I work with businesses in protecting their intellectual property as well as determining how to best exploit it.

Experience
patents, confidential information and trade secrets; negotiating and drafting agreements regarding intellectual property like licenses, acquisitions, sales, alliances, non-competes, confidentiality agreements and other like agreements

Education/Credentials
University of Notre Dame - JD Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science - BS

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Business > Corporate Law > Copyright & Patents > Copyrighting a cartoon

Copyright & Patents - Copyrighting a cartoon


Expert: Kacey Cahill - 10/16/2009

Question
I was wondering how i could copyright a cartoon it's just a little character i made up but i think someone my be intrested in buying it or something.I wanted to get the word out about my cartoon but i thought it should be legally copyrighted because someone could steal my idea if i put it on a poster board or something.In the U.S.

Answer
Liv,

The moment you create an original expression of your idea in tangible form (the paper), it is yours.  You own the copyright.  Registering the copyright does not create a copyright (that is already done when you draw it).  Registering the copyright allows you to: (1) sue a violator, (2) collect statutory damages, (3) prove to the world when you created it.  Thus, I say file.  The process is simple, cheap and straightforward.  Go to www.copyright.gov and walk through the filing process.  It takes a few minutes, and you upload the file at the end.

Good luck to you.  I hope this helps, but please know this is intended for educational purposes only and not as legal advise.

Kind regards,

Kacey Cahill
www.kaceylaw.com

Add to this Answer   Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.