The individual, group, or entity that violated the owner's copyright won't be able to say that they did not know the work was copyrighted since the symbol is present. If it so happens that this work has been infringed, then it's also easier for the copyright holder to file a copyright infringement lawsuit or negotiate for compensation and acknowledgment. If the notice is present, then it will make it easier for the public to seek the copyright owner for permission to use the material. Having a copyright icon denotes that the work or material is someone's original creation. Yet, some creators still put the copyright mark or notice even if their works have been recent to further safeguard their legal rights and as a deterrent against potential thieves. Essentially, this means that creators of materials published or produced after the said date do not have to put a copyright sign or notice on their work because they automatically enjoy the protection of the copyright law. Since March 1, 1989, however, the Copyright Act removed the requirement for copyright notices. These conditions are also underscored in the U.S. The symbol is in accordance with the 1952 Universal Copyright Convention which states that, along with the ©, a copyright notice must also contain the name of the copyright owner and the year the original work was published or produced.

It is designed as an encircled capital C © to refer to the 'copyright.'

What is a copyright symbol?Ī copyright symbol, also known as a copyright notice, is a specific identifier that informs the public that someone has ownership over an original creation. If you're not the owner or holder of the copyright then you need to be careful about using other people’s creations so you won't bear legal liabilities. Though quite small, its presence holds a huge significance, especially for the copyright holder. The copyright symbol is usually tucked away at the edge or a corner of a published or produced material that’s considered “visually perceptible” either directly or with a machine’s help.

Copyright free symbols