copyright
Definition
Copyright is the automatic legal right you get the moment you create something original, like a logo, a photo, a piece of writing, or a video. It gives you the exclusive power to decide who can copy, share, sell, or build upon your work. Nobody else can legally use your creation without your permission.
Example
If you write a blog post for your bakery's website, you automatically own the copyright to that post, and a competitor cannot copy it and paste it onto their own site without asking you first.
Watch Out
If you hire a freelancer to create something for your business, like a logo or website copy, they may actually own the copyright to that work unless your contract specifically states that you own it.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.