Copyright legally belongs to the artist from the moment of creation. You don't need to mail yourself copies - that's another urban myth and a complete waste of time (you can't use it as evidence in a court case).
Should someone infringe your copyright, you cannot sue (in the United States; check local laws for other countries) unless you have registered with the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress. Its a small fee, so if you are concerned about copyright, it may well be worth it.
You may choose to sell copyright along with your artwork, to sell it with limitations, or retain it entirely. It is important that you make clear your intentions to buyers, in writing. Consider writing a copyright notice on the back of your drawing and include the small circled 'c' symbol beside your signature.
When publishing images on the internet, there are several methods to prevent misuse of your work. Some of these are:
- In the first instance, add a copyright symbol and written notice on the page.
- Post images as small and low-res as possible;
- Add a copyright notice watermark across the image;
- 'Cut' larger images into sections and join them in a table;
- Use scripting to disable copying and saving;
- Become informed - follow the copyright links on these pages for further information.
DISCLAIMER:I am not a lawyer or copyright expert. This article is for general information only and is not intended to be any form of legal advice. To answer specific legal questions, consult your legal professional.
