The representation of copyright, typically a circled “c” (), is used to indicate intellectual property rights. It signals to others that a work is protected by copyright law and asserts the owner’s rights to control the reproduction, distribution, and modification of that work. An example is the inclusion of ” 2023 Example Corporation” at the bottom of a webpage.
Employing this indicator offers several benefits. It serves as a visual deterrent against infringement and provides a clear statement of ownership. Historically, its inclusion, along with the year of first publication and the name of the copyright owner, was a legal requirement for copyright protection in some jurisdictions. While this is no longer universally mandated, its continued use remains a recommended practice for establishing rights and discouraging unauthorized use.