The Law and Business of Book Copyright (2025 Edition)

This is your complete guide to the law and business of book copyright.

It starts with the basics. What is copyright? You will learn what it protects (your expression) and what it doesn't (your idea). We explain when protection begins. (Hint: it's automatic, the moment you write it down!) The book covers the “bundle of rights” you get as an author. These include economic rights, like the power to copy, sell, and adapt your work. They also include moral rights, like the right to be named as the author. We then go global. You'll understand the international treaties that protect your book around the world, like the Berne Convention. The book explains how digital copyright works, from ebooks to the WIPO “internet treaty”. We also cover the full lifecycle of your copyright. This includes how long it lasts (usually your life plus 70 years) and what happens when it enters the public domain. You will learn how to value your copyright as a financial asset. We show you how to monetize it through subsidiary rights, like film deals and translations. The book explains the difference between selling your copyright (an assignment) and renting it (a license). Finally, we teach you how to protect your work. You'll learn about infringement, DMCA takedown notices, and legal exceptions like fair use.

Many books tell you that copyright protection is automatic. This book explains why that simple fact is not enough. It bridges the gap between just having rights and actually being able to enforce them. We show you why formal registration is a critical business strategy, not just a formality. This book is your practical guide to turning a theoretical right into a powerful, enforceable asset. It provides a detailed, comparative guide to the registration systems in key global markets. You'll learn the step-by-step process for registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office to unlock statutory damages. You will also understand the strategic importance of registering in China and India, and why the process is completely different in the UK, Germany, and Australia. We also provide specific advice for self-published authors, from crafting a professional copyright page to using group registration for your blog posts.

Disclaimer: The author is not affiliated with any national copyright office or board. This book is an independent publication produced under the principle of nominative fair use for commentary and educational purposes.