Copyright protects published and unpublished works of writing and art that appear in a fixed form. Novels, poems, songs, photographs, computer graphics, and website designs are all examples of copyrighted material. As long as the material is on paper, canvas, set in stone, saved on computer discs, or appears on a website, no one except the creator can use that material without the creator's permission. Failing to request permission to use the material or using it because "its on everyone's website" is no excuse and the owner can take legal action.
     A word about a common misconception. Such images as Disney characters, other cartoons appearing on television, various company logos, song lyrics, and music are copyright protected. Using any of those without the permission of the person who created them or the company holding the copyright is in violation of the laws. Even if you take a graphic of a Disney character and add your own captions, you still violate the law if you didn't get permission from Disney to use that image. If you take my website graphics and add some words to them, you're still violating copyright if you haven't ask me to use that graphic for any purpose.
     Copyright protection begins on the day the material is created and extends to fifty years past the death of the creator. Care must be taken here. It's possible to transfer copyright to another person or organization and, as long as that person is alive or the organization is active, the material remains the property of another person and copyright laws protect that material.
     If more than one date appears in the copyright notice, this doesn't mean the copyright has expired. My statement may appear as "2007-2009", but this only means I have added to the original material after it was first created. Some people will "borrow" graphics or text and place an earlier copyright date on their webpage. If you save your work on your computer, the files are dated and can help prove you own the material.
     If you add any of your original writings or graphics to a website, place a copyright notice at the bottom of the page where it appears. You should also have one page at your site as a copyright statement telling people what material they can or can't use and the proper procedure for contacting you to request use of the material.
     Important: Never sign your copyright over to any person or organization. If you grant someone permission to use your work, inform them you retain ownership, they can only use the material for the purpose they requested, and that they must post a notice that the material is copyrighted by you. Also keep copies of all correspondence granting or denying use of your material and how it can be used so you have a legal basis against any unauthorized use.