What symbol indicates that material has been copyrighted
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The symbol that indicates that material has been copyrighted is the © symbol, also known as the copyright symbol.
Explanation
The © symbol is the internationally recognized sign that a piece of work is protected under copyright law. It consists of a lowercase “c” enclosed within a circle — © — and it is usually followed by the year of publication and the name of the copyright holder (e.g., © 2025 John Doe).
Copyright is a legal concept that grants the creator of original work exclusive rights to use and distribute that work for a certain period of time. These works can include literature, music, films, software, artwork, and more. The use of the © symbol helps to inform the public that the work is protected and cannot be copied, distributed, or used without permission from the copyright owner.
While copyright protection is automatic the moment an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form (thanks to international agreements like the Berne Convention), including the © symbol serves as a visible notice to deter infringement. In many jurisdictions, this notice can also be used as evidence in legal cases, showing that the user was warned the content was protected.
Typically, a copyright notice includes:
- The © symbol
- The year of first publication
- The name of the copyright owner
Example: © 2025 Jane Smith
It’s important to note that the © symbol only applies to copyrighted materials. Other types of intellectual property, such as trademarks (™ or ®) and patents, have their own distinct symbols and legal protections.
In summary, the © symbol is a crucial mark that not only identifies a work as copyrighted but also plays a role in upholding the creator’s rights and preventing unauthorized use.
