Any recorded work of expression is automatically protected by copyright, meaning you own the rights to it. If you write a letter to your mother, it is automatically copyrighted. So is video, audio, sculptures, paintings, almost anything that is recorded. You'll often see the copyright symbol or the word "copyright" with a date and the person or organization that holds the copyright on the copyrighted work, for example on every page of a book or document. This is to avoid "innocent infringement," so that it is clear that it is copyrighted.

One of the most popular topics among information entrepreneurs (infopreneurs) is public domain works. There are entire publishing empires built on their use. Here we discuss four specific categories that fall into the public domain. These categories are specific to the United States and will have to be checked against the public domain regulations of other specific countries.

Copyright is a relevant part of our lives and yet, despite its impact on our lives, people have insufficient knowledge of what copyright is. Following are questions I am often asked by clients developing their website, looking for photos/artwork to use on their materials, or those interested in protecting their business logo.