The symbol that represents copyright is ©.
Beyond just the symbol itself, a copyright notice typically includes the following elements:
- The Copyright Symbol: © (the letter C inside a circle).
- The word "Copyright" or abbreviation "Copr." This is an alternative to the symbol and can be used instead or in addition to it.
- Year of First Publication: The year the work was first published.
- Copyright Owner: The name of the copyright holder (person or company).
For example:
© 2023 John Doe
or
Copyright 2023 Jane Smith, Inc.
The use of the copyright notice is no longer legally required in many countries due to adherence to the Berne Convention, but it is still a good practice. It clearly informs others that the work is protected by copyright and identifies the owner. It can also be helpful in deterring infringement.
