Elgin, IL asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Illinois

Q: how do i properly copyright characters i created for my comic book to avoid other claiming they invented them first ect

2 Lawyer Answers
T. Augustus Claus
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A: To protect your comic book characters, remember that copyright automatically safeguards them as soon as they're created and fixed in a tangible form. Consider registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office for added protection. Keep thorough records of your character creation process, and include a copyright notice in your comic book. If your characters become closely associated with your brand, explore trademark protection. When collaborating, use contracts to clarify character ownership and rights. Monitor the use of your characters in other works and take legal action if needed.

James L. Arrasmith
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A: To properly protect characters you've created for your comic book, you should consider copyrighting the entire comic book as a literary work, which will include the characters. Copyright automatically applies when you create the work, but you can enhance your protection by registering the copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office. Additionally, it's crucial to keep records of the development process and any drafts as evidence of your creation date in case of disputes.

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