W: This evening, the guest speaker with us is Dr. Bush. He’s going to talk about copyrighting works of art.
M: Well, a copyright is a proof of authorship.(1)____________________________.
W: So, all artists’ works will be protected by copyright law?
M: It’s important to remember that United States Copyright Law protects artistic expressions such as paintings, but does not protect any ideas, concepts, procedures or techniques.
W: How can artists obtain copyright protection?
M: The law has changed in 1978 and again in 1989.(2)_____________________________. They don’t have to file any documents and under the protection of the Copyright Law, any recreations of their original work such as prints are also covered by the artist’s copyright. Further more, any changes artists made to their original works are covered. The Law also makes it clear that when someone buys the work of art, they are not allowed to destroy or change that work of art.
W: What if the work was sold to a new owner?
M: Artists keep the copyright even after selling the work of art. The purchaser may buy the physical work,(3)_______________________________.
W: Do you have any suggestions to our artist in this area?
M: Although works are automatically copyrighted, artists are encouraged to register their work with United States Copyright Office. Registering art provides additional legal protection and also gives the people around the world the ability to approach the honors about licensing and purchasing right.
