No
Copyright ownership gives the owner the exclusive right to use the work, with some exceptions. When a person creates an original work, fixed in a tangible medium, he or she automatically owns copyright to the work.
Many types of works are eligible for copyright protection, for example:
- Audiovisual works, such as TV shows, movies, and online videos
- Sound recordings and musical compositions
- Written works, such as lectures, articles, books, and musical compositions
- Visual works, such as paintings, posters, and advertisements
- Video games and computer software
- Dramatic works, such as plays and musicals
The Copyright Office has information online, and you can check with a lawyer if you want to know more.
Can I use content from a work that’s protected by copyright?
Copyright holders have the right to control most uses of their works. In some circumstances, it’s possible to use a copyright-protected work without infringing their copyright:
- You’ve checked with the copyright holder, who has allowed you to use the content. It’s a good idea to get written permission from them, for example, in the form of a license agreement.
- Some copyright holders make their works available to others for uncompensated reuse, with a few requirements. To learn more, you can
