If you’re an artist—whether you draw, design, photograph, write, or make anything original—chances are you’ve asked yourself:
“How do I stop people from stealing my work?”
That’s where copyright, trademark, and a few other legal tools come in. And no—you don’t need to be a lawyer to understand the basics.
In this post, I’m breaking it down clearly and simply so you can protect your work, know your rights, and feel more confident sharing what you create.
✍️ What Is Copyright?
Copyright protects original creative work—like drawings, designs, writing, music, illustrations, photography, and even digital content.
Here’s the good news:
As soon as you create something and record it in a fixed way (like saving a file, drawing in a sketchbook, or exporting a PDF), it’s automatically protected by copyright. You don’t need to register it (though in some countries like the US, registering makes enforcement easier).
Copyright gives you the right to:
- Copy and reproduce your own work
- Show it publicly
- Sell or license it
- Prevent others from copying or using it without permission
If someone uses your work without asking—they’re violating your copyright.
🖼️ What Copyright Doesn’t Protect
There are limits. Copyright doesn’t protect:
- Ideas or concepts (only their expression)
- Styles or techniques
- Facts or systems
- Names, logos, or slogans (these fall under trademark)
So yes—you can’t copyright “your vibe,” but you can protect specific works that express it.
™️ What Is a Trademark?
If you’re building a brand—even a small art studio, a shop, or an online identity—you’ll want to look into trademarks.
A trademark protects names, logos, slogans, and symbols that represent your brand identity.
Example:
- Your signature logo? Trademark it.
- A unique name for your print shop or clothing label? Trademark it.
Unlike copyright, you must apply for a trademark with an official government office. In Europe, that’s EUIPO, and in the U.S., it’s USPTO.
🎨 Moral Rights: Respecting the Artist
In many countries (especially in Europe), moral rights protect your personal relationship with your artwork.
These include:
- The right to be credited as the author
- The right to prevent distortion, alteration, or misuse of your work
- The right to object to offensive or inappropriate contexts
Even if someone buys your work, they can’t present it as theirs—or alter it in ways that damage your reputation.
🔒 How to Protect Your Work as an Artist
Here are some practical steps you can take:
✔ Add a simple copyright notice to your works (e.g., © Your Name 2025)
✔ Keep your original files, sketches, and timestamps
✔ Use watermarks or low-res previews when publishing online
✔ Create clear contracts or licenses when collaborating or selling
✔ Don’t remix or repost someone else’s work unless it’s licensed or public domain
😠 What If Someone Steals My Work?
Unfortunately, it happens. If someone uses your work without permission:
- Reach out directly – Sometimes it’s ignorance, not theft.
- File a takedown – Most platforms (Instagram, Etsy, YouTube, etc.) have copyright violation forms.
- Consult a lawyer – Especially if your work is being used for profit or repeatedly misused.
The sooner you act, the better.
💡 Final Thought: Know Your Value
Understanding your rights is a form of creative empowerment. You don’t need to be afraid to share your work—you just need to protect it smartly.
As artists, we deserve to feel safe in expressing ourselves. Knowing how to guard your ideas doesn’t mean being rigid—it means respecting your time, effort, and talent.
martasjournal 
Leave a comment