Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Michigan

Having a copyright provides protection for original works of authorship, fixed in a tangible medium of expression. This includes literary, musical, and dramatic works, as well as photographs and graphics, audio and visual recordings, software, and other intellectual works.

In order for the work to be "fixed in a tangible medium of expression," it must be set in a form in which it can be perceived either directly or with the aid of a device.

For a literary or artistic work, this usually means that it is written on some sort of paper or stored in a computer. For a musical work, this usually means that it is either the phonographic recording or the sheet music.

Registration of a copyright is the process of filing an application with the copyright office. It is not necessary, but strongly advised as it grants you additional remedies for copyright infringement. You should consult with an attorney who practices intellectual property law, specifically copyright law.