When to Update Your Website’s Copyright Date

At the start of each year, many clients take a moment to update the copyright date at the bottom of their website. However, there’s a surprising amount of misinformation circulating online about this practice. While some believe this update conveys that a website is current and relevant, this approach can misrepresent the intent of copyright law and its application. Updating your copyright date solely for appearances may not align with the legal principles and proper usage of copyright.

What Is Copyright?

Copyright represents the legal ownership of your creative content, such as text, logos, images, and other original material. It provides protection against unauthorized use or theft and ensures you retain the exclusive rights to your intellectual property.

Contrary to common assumptions, copyright protection is automatically conferred upon creation. You do not need to explicitly mark your work with the copyright symbol or a publication date to hold these rights. However, displaying a copyright notice on your website reinforces that your content is legally protected. Should you ever need to enforce your rights, the copyright date can serve as an important timestamp in proving ownership. Additionally, tools and records of your website’s earlier versions can support your claim during a legal dispute.

The Official Meaning of a Copyright Date

The copyright date on a website reflects the first publication or release of the material it protects. It represents the starting point for the legal protection of your intellectual property and should not be updated arbitrarily, as doing so can muddy the documentation of when the copyright actually began.

How to Format Website Copyright Notices

For those yet to implement a copyright notice on their website, here is a standard format to use:

Copyright © [YEAR]. [YOUR COMPANY NAME]. All rights reserved.

The notice may also include optional elements, such as:

• Contact information for permissions: “For requests to use this copyright-protected work, email us at [contact@domain.com].”
• Licensing details if applicable, such as referencing a Creative Commons License.

While some websites prefer the shorthand international copyright symbol (©) instead of the word “Copyright,” it is critical to include the publication year and the copyright owner’s name to create a complete and effective notice.

Using Date Ranges for Dynamic Websites

For websites with regularly updated content, such as blogs or image galleries, a single publication date might not suffice. In these cases, consider using a date range, such as:

Copyright © [START DATE] – [CURRENT DATE]. [YOUR COMPANY NAME]. All rights reserved.

This format maintains copyright protection for older content while signaling that your website remains active. Updating the current year annually ensures the date range reflects ongoing activity while preserving the original copyright date for your foundational materials. Certain website platforms or builders also allow automation of the “current date,” streamlining this process.

Challenges with Copyright Updates on Some Platforms

If your website’s platform, such as a WordPress theme, has a hard-coded or auto-updated copyright date, it may not allow manual changes. In such cases, a developer might be required to reconfigure the theme’s code. Alternatively, you can add a secondary copyright notice elsewhere on the page to clarify the date range for your content.

If you’re facing this challenge, Dominion PR & Marketing is here to assist. Our team can provide professional support, ensuring your copyright notice is accurate, current, and displayed correctly on your website.

Learn More About Copyright

In the United States, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998 specifically addresses online copyrights. The DMCA is designed to adapt copyright law to the digital age, providing protections for copyrighted material in the context of the internet and other digital platforms. The DMCA amended the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976 and is considered one of the foundational pieces of legislation governing digital copyrights in the United States.

To deepen your understanding of copyright laws and how they apply to your website, explore additional resources or consult your region’s copyright authority for relevant legislation and guidelines.

Contact Dominion PR & Marketing for Assistance

Navigating copyright management for your website shouldn’t be a hassle. If you have questions or require professional help, reach out to Dominion PR & Marketing. We specialize in supporting businesses with tailored digital marketing solutions and strategies to streamline your website management, protect your intellectual property, and maintain a professional online presence.