watermark
Definition
A watermark is a visible or hidden mark embedded into a document, image, or piece of content to show ownership or indicate its status, such as marking something as a draft or confidential. Businesses and creators use watermarks to protect their intellectual property and prove that the original content belongs to them.
Example
A photographer might place a semi-transparent logo across their photos so that clients cannot use the images without paying, and courts can use that watermark as evidence of ownership in a copyright dispute.
Watch Out
A watermark alone does not legally register your copyright, so you should still formally register important creative works with the U.S. Copyright Office to get the strongest legal protection.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.