Other pages on copyright

In addition to this page on embedding copyright information, you will also find these pages useful ...

Click here for advice on Displaying copyright

Click here for advice on Safeguarding copyright

Introduction

Many applications allow you to enter copyright information that is stored with the media files they create. This article covers ...

Embedding copyright information into web pages
Embedding copyright information into media files (image, video etc)

Why embed copyright information?

Here are some of the reasons for entering copyright information into a media file ...

To indicate that a file (work) is copyrighted
To allow the files usage to be tracked
To allow the copyright holder to be identified
To allow the copyright holder to be contacted

What information should be embedded?

Most media authoring applications allow you to enter copyright information to inform an end-user of a files copyright owner and status. You should consider entering ...

© ... the universally accepted symbol indicating copyright (usually Alt-G on the keyboard)
the date (year)
authors name
authors email address

Embedding copyright information into web pages

It is good practise to add the following 2 meta tags to the head tag of your web pages ...

<meta name="COPYRIGHT" CONTENT="© 2005, Matt Ottewill">
<meta name="AUTHOR" CONTENT="Matt Ottewill unless otherwise stated">

Embedding copyright information into media files

Video / QuickTime files

Open your file into QuickTime Pro and use the Get Movie Properties menu to find the Movie / Annotation menu where you can enter copyright details.

Images

Photoshop Use the File>File Info menu to enter copyright details.

Illustrator Use the File>File Info menu to enter copyright details.

Digital watermarking image files

Digimarc digital watermark system Photoshop includes a filter that allows you to embed a Digimarc digital watermark into a file. This watermark allows the images uses to be tracked across the internet. Filter>Digimarc>Embed watermark ... Go to their website to read more.

Director movies

Use the Modify>Movie properties menu of Movie properties inspector to enter copyright details into the box in the palette. Other authoring applications will have similar features.

Music & audio files

There are many types of audio file format and many different emerging schemes for both embedding copyright information and preventing unauthorised duplication. You can follow the links on the Music Industry menu for more up to date information on different schemes and technologies.

44.1KHz / 16-bit audio CD mastering applications, such as Adaptec Jam, allow Copyright information to be entered for each track and the overall CD.

Related downloads

Copyright / publishing font

Most fonts include both the copyright "©" symbol and registered trademark "®" symbol but NOT the symbol for Phonographic copyright. Download a sans serif PostScript font which includes both publishing and copyright symbols ("c" and "p" on the keyboard) here ...