Excerpts from the “The Copyright Book: A Practical Guide

Fourth Edition by William S. Strong

Formalities of Copyright Notice

“Notice comprises three things:

1. In the case of visually perceived works, the familiar symbol © or, if you prefer, the word Copyright or its accepted abbreviation, Copr. (If you wish to be certain that your work is protected in foreign countries, use ©; Copyright and Copr. Do not have international validity.)  In the case of sound recordings published in phonorecords, the only symbol to use is (P); © is of no effect.  In the case of mask work; the symbol M, or the symbol (M).”





2. The year of first publication. This date is not necessary for mask works or where a visual work is reproduced in or on greeting cards, postcards, stationery, jewelry, dolls, toys, or “useful articles” (articles having an intrinsic utilitarian function).





3. The name of the owner of copyright. This may be abbreviated if the name remains recognizable.  If the owner has a generally known trademark ™, abbreviation, or other symbol, that symbol may be used instead. This term owner of copyright is different from the term copyright owner (who may be merely the owner of the exclusive publication right). The owner of copyright is the author or anyone to whom the author has transferred the entire copyright or the bulk of copyright.  In the case of sound recording, notice must be in the name of the owner of copyright in the recording; the name of the owner of copyright in a musical composition should not be used and may lead to substantial confusion.





4. As additional protection, it is advisable to place in your notice the statement “All Rights Reserved,” to ensure protection in certain Latin American countries that do not recognize Copyright, Copr., or © as proper notice of a claim of rights.”