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A copyright notice is not required in every country. Nonetheless, use of it is important because it informs the public that the work is protected, identifies the copyright owner, and shows the year of first publication. A proper notice prevents a claim on 'innocent infringement' where the infringer did not realize that the work was protected.

Required format

A proper copyright notice should contain all the following three elements:

1. The symbol © (the letter C in a circle), or the word "Copyright," or the abbreviation "Copr.";

2. The year of first publication of the work;

3. The name of the copyright owner, or alternative designation, by which the owner can be recognized.

In the case of compilations or derivative works incorporating previously published material, the year date of first publication of the compilation or derivative work is sufficient.

An example that meets the requirements is: © 2008 John Doe

Allowed use of copyright notice

As soon as you capture your composition (or arrangement) in a fixed form, you immediately and automatically own the copyright to it. No publication, registration or other action is required to secure this right. The protection applies to both published and unpublished works. The use of the copyright notice is the responsibility of the copyright owner and does not require advance permission, or registration.

Please note that there are a few exceptions to the author's claim to copyrights; for example, a musical work created "for hire" or a derivation of someone else's work without the author's permission. It is always best to seek professional legal advice. A good resource to get up to speed your self is the United States Copyright office.

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