Based on checking the website, Protectmywork.com appears to be an online service designed to help creators establish proof of ownership for their intellectual property.

The service claims to provide a fast, easy, and secure way to register various forms of creative work, such as logos, podcast, educational materials, artwork, dramatic works, literature, and software, with the aim of deterring copyright infringement.

While the concept of protecting one’s creative output is valuable, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of how such services operate and whether they align with principles of ethical and permissible financial transactions, especially for those seeking to uphold Islamic financial guidelines.

The site emphasizes the generation of a digital certificate with a unique reference number and date of registration, serving as independent proof of copyright.

They highlight their role as an independent witness to the ownership and creation date of your work.

This can be particularly useful in cases of infringement, as proving originality and creation date is often a key challenge.

However, it’s essential to scrutinize the underlying mechanics of their service and ensure that the subscription models or associated fees do not involve elements of Riba interest or excessive Gharar uncertainty that would make them impermissible in an Islamic context.

For creators, especially those who rely on their intellectual efforts for their livelihood, safeguarding their work is a legitimate concern.

Therefore, exploring transparent, shariah-compliant methods of protection is paramount.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Protectmywork.com Review & First Look

Upon an initial review, Protectmywork.com presents itself as a straightforward platform for copyright registration. The website’s design is clean and user-friendly, immediately highlighting its core service: fast, easy, and secure copyright protection. They claim to offer a deterrent against theft and provide credible proof of copyright under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, effective internationally across 179 countries.

What Protectmywork.com Aims to Do

Protectmywork.com’s primary goal is to provide independent, credible proof of copyright. They do this by witnessing the ownership and creation date of intellectual property. This “witnessing” process involves:

Recording and certifying the date and time the work is received.
Generating a hashcode of the uploaded files.
Logging the IP address.
If submitted via email, recording the sender, recipient, and body text.
Immediately generating a digital certificate with a unique reference number.

This documented process aims to provide a robust evidentiary trail should a dispute arise. The site states that this independent witnessing can prove originality for your work and deter others from using your work without permission.

Scope of Protection

The platform claims to protect a wide array of creative works, demonstrating its versatility for different types of creators. Categories of work that can be protected include:

Logos and Marketing Material: Logos, website design and content, packaging.
Podcast: Podcast, songs, sounds, and lyrics.
Education and Training: Course material, diagrams, audio, and video.
Artwork: Designs, 3D models, drawings, illustrations, photos, paintings, sculptures.
Dramatic Works: Videos, film, TV, dramatic works.
Literature: Books, audiobooks, blogs, poems, articles, stories, screenplays, scripts.
Software: Apps, websites, code, databases.

This broad scope suggests the service caters to a diverse range of creative professionals, from designers and podcastians to authors and software developers. The ability to upload unlimited amounts of work under one account is a significant claim, appealing to prolific creators.

User Testimonials and Credibility

The website features numerous testimonials, claiming “More than 1,000 5-Star Reviews.” These testimonials highlight users’ success in dealing with infringement issues, often mentioning the removal of unauthorized content from major platforms like eBay and Amazon.

For instance, one user, Jo, reported success with a counterfeiting issue in Australia, stating that their product was taken off a large selling platform due to their registration with Protect My Work.

Another user, H Walters, highlighted the service’s role in enabling them to “effectively takedown hundreds of links to products which were infringing my copyright.” While testimonials can provide social proof, it’s always advisable to conduct independent verification and understand the full scope of their claims.

Protectmywork.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating any service, a balanced perspective is crucial. Coastappliances.ca Reviews

For Protectmywork.com, there are several stated advantages, but also considerations that might be seen as drawbacks, especially from an Islamic financial perspective.

Stated Advantages Pros

The website highlights numerous benefits for its users, positioning itself as a comprehensive solution for copyright protection.

Established and Trusted: Protect My Work claims to be established since 2002, with 470,956 pieces of original, creative work securely protected. This longevity and volume suggest a significant user base and operational history.
Instant Digital Certificate: Users receive an instant digital certificate upon registration, providing immediate proof of ownership and the date of creation. This quick turnaround is beneficial for creators who need to establish their rights swiftly.
Global Protection: The service claims validity in 179 countries, including key markets like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many European and Asian nations, based on the World Intellectual Property Organisation WIPO Berne Convention Treaty. This broad international reach is a significant advantage for creators with a global audience or distribution.
Unlimited Uploads: For a flat annual fee, users can upload unlimited amounts of work, making it cost-effective for individuals or businesses with a large volume of creative output. This contrasts with services that charge per submission.
Support for Infringement: Protect My Work states they offer free takedown advice, free DMCA & Cease and Desist letters, and free email & phone support to help members in cases of copyright infringement. They even claim to provide an affidavit free of charge in cases that might lead to court action. Their FAQ states that since 2002, “all known disputes being resolved outside of any court action” when using their service and support.
Theft-Deterrent Logos: Users can utilize copyright warning theft-deterrent logos on their work, which the site suggests act as effective copyright notices and deterrents, potentially preventing infringement in the first place.
Money-Back Guarantee: A 14-day money-back guarantee is offered, providing a safety net for new users to try the service without significant financial risk.
Recommended by IP Lawyers: The website states it is “Recommended By IP Lawyers,” adding a layer of professional endorsement.

Considerations Cons

While the stated benefits are compelling, it’s important to consider aspects that might be viewed as drawbacks or warrant further scrutiny, particularly in the context of Islamic finance and ethics.

Nature of the Service vs. Legal Copyright: Copyright is an automatic right under international law Berne Convention from the moment of creation. Protectmywork.com does not grant copyright. rather, it provides a third-party witnessing service to make it easier to prove copyright. This distinction is crucial. While useful for evidence, it’s not a legal registration in the same vein as a patent or trademark office.
Subscription Model and Financial Scrutiny: The service operates on an annual subscription model £41.65 + VAT per year plus a token fee £1 + VAT per submission. While seemingly straightforward, any financial transaction, especially a recurring one, must be evaluated for Riba interest or Gharar excessive uncertainty. The fees themselves, if purely for the service rendered, would likely be permissible. However, if the “protection” or “deterrent” implies a guarantee of outcomes or a form of insurance that contains elements of Riba or significant uncertainty, it would be problematic. It is essential for a Muslim to ensure that the service’s financial structure is clear, free from interest-based elements, and offers a tangible service for the fee paid, rather than guaranteeing an uncertain future outcome for a fixed payment.
Dependence on External Platforms: The effectiveness of takedown notices often relies on the cooperation of third-party platforms like eBay, Amazon, social media. While Protectmywork.com provides templates and advice, the ultimate enforcement is beyond their direct control.
Limited Scope of Legal Action: While they provide affidavits and support, they are not a law firm and cannot represent users in court. Their role is to facilitate proof, not to provide legal counsel or litigation services.
Potential for Misunderstanding: Some users might mistakenly believe that using such a service grants them copyright, rather than merely strengthening their ability to prove it. Education about the automatic nature of copyright is vital.

Protectmywork.com Pricing

Understanding the financial structure of Protectmywork.com is crucial for assessing its value and compliance with ethical financial principles.

The pricing model is based on an annual membership combined with a per-submission token system.

Membership Structure

Protectmywork.com operates primarily on a yearly subscription fee.

Annual Membership: The core cost is £41.65 ex. VAT per year. Subscribers outside the UK are explicitly stated to not be charged VAT. This flat annual fee covers access to the member area, the ability to upload unlimited work, and access to their support services.
Certificate Tokens: In addition to the annual fee, a £1 ex. VAT certificate token is required for each piece of work registered. Each token allows for the protection of a maximum of 5 files per certificate. This means if you have multiple files for one “piece of work” e.g., different versions of a logo, or multiple audio tracks for an album, they can be grouped under one certificate token, up to 5 files.
Initial Bonus: New registrations receive 5 free certificate tokens, which translates to the ability to protect up to 25 files 5 tokens x 5 files/token immediately upon signing up, covered by the initial annual membership fee. This offer provides an upfront value, allowing users to protect a significant amount of work without immediate additional token purchases.
Unlimited Certificate Storage: The platform allows users to store unlimited certificates on their account, meaning all their registered work remains accessible and documented within their profile for as long as their membership is active.

Value Proposition of the Pricing

The pricing model positions Protectmywork.com as a cost-effective solution, especially for prolific creators.

Cost-Effectiveness for Volume: For a flat annual fee, the ability to upload unlimited amounts of work and store unlimited certificates can be highly cost-effective for designers, writers, podcastians, or software developers who produce a high volume of creative content. Instead of paying per item for traditional registration services, this model aims to provide an all-inclusive approach for ongoing protection needs.
Predictable Annual Cost: The fixed annual fee offers predictability in budgeting for copyright protection. This can be appealing to small businesses, freelancers, and individual creators who prefer not to incur variable costs based on the number of works they produce throughout the year.
Comparison to Legal Fees: The website implicitly and explicitly draws a contrast with the “hefty fees” associated with intellectual property lawyers. While Protectmywork.com does not replace legal counsel, its support services for takedown advice and template letters are presented as a way to potentially resolve disputes without incurring significant legal costs.

Financial Ethics and Permissibility

From an Islamic financial perspective, the pricing structure itself, as described, appears to be a service fee for specific actions and resources provided. The annual membership is for access to the platform and its tools, and the token fee is for the processing and certification of specific submissions. As long as these fees are clearly defined service charges for a tangible benefit the independent witnessing and certification of work, and related support services, and do not involve elements of Riba interest-based lending or borrowing or excessive Gharar speculative transactions where the outcome is highly uncertain and the benefit is not clear, they would likely be considered permissible.

Key considerations for a Muslim user: Snackpass.co Reviews

Clarity of Service: The fee should be for the concrete service of witnessing and certifying, not for a vague “guarantee” of future legal success that is beyond the service’s actual control. The website seems to clearly state their role is about providing “proof” and “deterrence,” and offering “advice” and “templates,” rather than guaranteeing legal outcomes.
Absence of Riba: There’s no indication of interest being charged on delayed payments, or any interest-based investment of member funds. This is crucial for permissibility.
Avoidance of Gharar: While the future outcome of an infringement dispute is uncertain, the service provided by Protectmywork.com documentation, certification, advice is clearly defined. The fee is for these defined services, not for the outcome of the dispute itself.

In conclusion, the pricing model seems designed for accessibility and volume, and the core structure of paying for a defined service at a clear price appears ethically sound from an Islamic finance standpoint, provided no hidden interest or excessive uncertainty is involved.

Protectmywork.com Alternatives

Several alternatives exist, ranging from formal government registrations to informal self-help methods, each with its own benefits and limitations.

For Muslim creators, exploring options that align with ethical financial practices and personal control over their intellectual property is paramount.

Formal Government Copyright Registration

In certain jurisdictions, particularly the United States, a formal government copyright registration is available and offers significant legal advantages.

U.S. Copyright Office: For creators in the U.S., registering work with the U.S. Copyright Office copyright.gov provides a strong legal foundation.
- Pros:
  - Prima Facie Evidence: A certificate of registration from the U.S. Copyright Office serves as prima facie evidence of the validity of the copyright and the facts stated in the certificate in any court proceeding. This means it is presumed true unless proven otherwise.
  - Ability to Sue for Infringement: Registration is generally a prerequisite for filing an infringement lawsuit in federal court in the U.S.
  - Statutory Damages and Attorney’s Fees: If registered before infringement occurs or within three months of publication, the copyright holder can claim statutory damages pre-set amounts by law, without having to prove actual monetary harm and attorney’s fees, which can be a powerful deterrent and compensation mechanism.
  - Public Record: Creates a public record of copyright ownership.
- Cons:
  - Jurisdiction Specific: Primarily relevant for U.S. law, though international treaties like the Berne Convention grant automatic protection abroad.
  - Fees: Involves filing fees per work, which can add up for prolific creators.
  - Process: Can be more formal and time-consuming than online witnessing services.

Time-Stamping and Witnessing Services

Similar to Protectmywork.com, other services focus on providing verifiable proof of creation and ownership.

Poor Man’s Copyright Discouraged: This informal method involves mailing a copy of your work to yourself via certified mail and leaving the envelope unopened. The postmark serves as a timestamp.
- Pros: Extremely low cost.
- Cons: Not legally recognized as formal copyright registration and may not hold up strongly in court as proof. Its legal validity is highly questionable, and it’s generally not recommended by legal professionals. It should be discouraged as a serious form of protection due to its lack of legal standing and the uncertainty of its outcome. This method relies on mere chance and lacks proper documentation.
Other Digital Time-Stamping Services: Various blockchain-based or centralized digital time-stamping services exist that record a hash of your work on a public ledger or secure server.
- Pros: Immutable timestamp, verifiable proof of existence at a certain time.
- Cons: Does not constitute formal copyright registration, effectiveness in court may vary depending on jurisdiction and judge’s interpretation.

Self-Help and Best Practices

Proactive measures and diligent record-keeping can significantly strengthen your position in a copyright dispute, regardless of whether you use external services.

Maintain Meticulous Records: Keep detailed records of your creative process, including:
- Date and Time of Creation: Digital files often have creation dates, but also keep notes, drafts, and version histories.
- Development Stages: Store earlier drafts, sketches, source code, and working files.
- Communication: Save emails or messages related to the project’s development.
- Originality Documentation: Document your sources of inspiration to prove your work is original and not derivative.
Digital Fingerprinting and Watermarking: For digital assets, embed metadata, digital watermarks, or unique identifiers that link the work back to you.
Public Display with Attribution: When sharing work online, include clear copyright notices e.g., “© . All Rights Reserved.” and terms of use. While copyright is automatic, a notice serves as a deterrent.
“Registering” on Personal Platforms: Publishing work on your own website, blog, or reputable online portfolios with clear date stamps can serve as a form of public proof of creation, though less robust than formal registration.
Legal Counsel Proactive: Consulting with an Intellectual Property lawyer to understand your rights and the best protection strategy for your specific type of work is invaluable. While this incurs fees, it’s an investment in robust protection and expert advice.

Islamic Perspective on Alternatives

From an Islamic standpoint, the most permissible and encouraged alternatives would be:

Formal Government Registration: As long as the fees are service charges for a clear, defined process and do not involve Riba. This provides the most robust legal protection and clarity.
Meticulous Self-Documentation: This is a proactive, permissible, and highly recommended approach. It relies on your own efforts and honest record-keeping.
Ethical Legal Counsel: Seeking advice from lawyers whose practice aligns with Islamic ethical principles e.g., not dealing in Riba-based transactions themselves, providing honest and transparent services.
Avoidance of Ambiguity: Methods like the “Poor Man’s Copyright” should be discouraged because they introduce ambiguity and rely on an uncertain legal outcome, which is contrary to the principle of clarity and avoiding Gharar where possible in serious matters.

Ultimately, the best approach often involves a combination of strategies: diligent self-documentation, formal registration where legally beneficial, and selective use of reputable third-party services that are transparent and free from impermissible elements in their financial dealings.

How to Cancel Protectmywork.com Subscription

Understanding how to cancel a subscription is an important aspect of consumer control and financial management.

For Protectmywork.com, the process should be straightforward, aligning with general online subscription practices. Modablvck.com Reviews

Finding Cancellation Information

Typically, information regarding subscription cancellation is found in the following areas on a service’s website:

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions: This is often the first place to look. Protectmywork.com has an extensive FAQ section, and it is highly probable that cancellation instructions would be detailed there.
Terms and Conditions T&Cs: The legal terms governing the service agreement will almost certainly contain clauses related to subscription duration, renewal, and cancellation procedures.
Contact Us Page: If direct instructions aren’t easily found, contacting their support team via email or phone is the next logical step.
Member Area/Account Settings: For most online services, cancellation options are available directly within the user’s logged-in account dashboard or settings.

General Steps for Online Subscription Cancellation

While specific steps may vary slightly, the general process for canceling an online subscription often includes:

Login to Your Account: Access your Protectmywork.com member area using your credentials.
Navigate to Account Settings/Billing: Look for sections labeled “Account Settings,” “My Subscription,” “Billing,” “Payments,” or similar.
Find Cancellation Option: Within the billing or subscription section, there should be a clear option to “Cancel Subscription,” “Manage Subscription,” or “Turn Off Auto-Renewal.”
Follow Prompts: The system may ask for a reason for cancellation or offer alternatives. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation.
Confirmation: You should receive an email confirmation of your cancellation. Keep this for your records as proof.

Specific Details from Protectmywork.com Based on Website Analysis

While the website does not explicitly detail the “Cancel Subscription” button location on its public pages, it does emphasize aspects of their service that are relevant to cancellation:

Annual Fee: The service is described as a “flat annual fee,” suggesting a yearly renewal cycle. This means cancellation would prevent the charge for the next year’s membership.
14-Day Money Back Guarantee: For new members, a 14-day money-back guarantee is offered. This is distinct from cancellation of an ongoing subscription but is crucial for initial trial periods. If a user cancels within this period, they are eligible for a full refund. This implies a clear mechanism for ending the service and receiving money back if unsatisfied early on.
Customer Support: The website advertises “Free Email & Phone Support.” If direct cancellation within the member area isn’t intuitive, contacting their support team is the most reliable way to ensure the subscription is terminated correctly.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: A phone number is typically listed on their contact page or within the member area, but not explicitly on the public homepage text provided.

Recommendation: The most reliable way to cancel a Protectmywork.com subscription would be to log in to your member area and search for “Subscription,” “Billing,” or “Manage Account” options. If not immediately apparent, contact their support team directly via email or phone to initiate the cancellation process. Always request and retain a confirmation of cancellation for your records.

How to Cancel Protectmywork.com Free Trial

Protectmywork.com doesn’t explicitly offer a “free trial” in the traditional sense, but rather a 14-day money-back guarantee on its annual membership. This functions similarly to a trial, allowing users to assess the service with the option of a full refund if they are not satisfied within that initial period. Understanding how to leverage this guarantee is essential for new users.

Understanding the “Free Trial” Mechanism

Instead of a no-cost period followed by a charge, Protectmywork.com charges the annual membership fee upfront £41.65 ex. VAT upon registration. However, this is immediately backed by a 14-day money-back guarantee. This means:

You pay the full annual fee at registration.
You have 14 days from the date of registration to decide if the service meets your needs.
If you decide it doesn’t, you can request a full refund within that 14-day window.

This model is common for services that require initial setup or resource allocation, where a truly “free” trial might not be feasible.

The upfront payment combined with a robust refund policy acts as a trust mechanism.

Steps to “Cancel” and Get a Refund within 14 Days

To effectively “cancel” your service and receive a refund during this guarantee period, you would need to:

Note Your Registration Date: Keep track of the exact date you registered and paid for the annual membership. The 14-day window starts from this date.
Access Your Account: Log in to your Protectmywork.com member area.
Locate Refund/Cancellation Request: Look for sections related to billing, subscription management, or contact support within your account. While a direct “refund request” button might exist, it’s more likely that you’d need to contact their support team.
Contact Customer Support: The most direct and reliable way to initiate a refund under the 14-day money-back guarantee is to contact Protectmywork.com’s customer support.
- Email: [email protected] This is explicitly listed on their website.
- Phone: If a phone number is provided in your member area or on their contact page, calling directly can sometimes expedite the process.
Clearly State Your Request: In your communication, clearly state that you wish to invoke the 14-day money-back guarantee and request a full refund of your annual membership fee. Mention your account details e.g., registered email, username for identification.
Receive Confirmation: Ensure you receive a confirmation that your refund request has been processed and that your account will be closed. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Monitor Your Bank Statement: Verify that the refund appears on your bank or credit card statement within the specified processing time which can vary depending on payment processors and banks.

Important Considerations

Timeliness is Key: Adhere strictly to the 14-day deadline. Requests made even one day after the guarantee period might be denied.
Service Usage: While the guarantee allows for testing, be mindful of excessive or abusive use of the service if you intend to request a refund. While not explicitly stated as a restriction, it’s good practice.
Token Usage: If you’ve used the initial 5 free certificate tokens to protect work, clarify with support whether this impacts the refund process. Typically, a money-back guarantee covers the primary membership fee, irrespective of initial token usage within the trial period.

By following these steps, users can effectively test Protectmywork.com without long-term financial commitment, ensuring it meets their needs before fully committing to the annual subscription. Cozyhomeheating.co.uk Reviews

Protectmywork.com vs. Competitors

When considering a service like Protectmywork.com, it’s beneficial to see how it stacks up against other options in the market.

Core Comparison Point: Nature of Service

The fundamental difference lies in what type of protection each service offers:

Protectmywork.com: Primarily an independent third-party witnessing and documentation service. It helps you prove when you created something and that it belongs to you, acting as a deterrent and providing evidence for disputes. It does not officially register your copyright with a government body.
Official Government Registries e.g., U.S. Copyright Office: These are government entities that formally register your copyright. This registration provides specific legal advantages like the ability to sue for statutory damages and creates a public record.
Digital Time-Stamping e.g., Blockchain-based services: These services record a unique digital fingerprint hash of your work onto an immutable ledger like a blockchain with a timestamp. They provide proof of existence at a specific time but typically don’t offer the same level of legal backing or support services as Protectmywork.com or government registries.
Intellectual Property Lawyers: These are legal professionals who provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of IP, including copyright, trademarks, and patents. They can draft legal documents, represent you in court, and offer strategic guidance.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Let’s break down how Protectmywork.com might compare to these alternatives on key features:

Feature	Protectmywork.com	Official Government Registry e.g., U.S.	Digital Time-Stamping e.g., via Blockchain	IP Lawyer Consultation
Primary Function	Witnessing & evidence for existing copyright	Formal legal registration of copyright	Proof of existence at a time immutable record	Comprehensive legal advice & representation
Legal Standing	Evidentiary support in disputes witness	Strong prima facie evidence, prerequisite for lawsuits	Proof of timestamp, but legal standing varies	Expert legal interpretation & enforcement
Cost	Annual fee + per-submission tokens cost-effective for volume	Per submission fee varies, can add up	Usually low or free for basic timestamping	High hourly rates or retainer fees
International	Claims validity in 179 countries Berne Convention based	Primarily national, but automatic protection via treaties	Global due to blockchain nature	Varies by lawyer’s expertise/jurisdiction
Ease of Use	Fast, easy online upload & certificate generation	More formal application process	Simple upload, automated timestamping	Requires direct consultation, more involved
Support for Infringement	Free takedown advice, templates, affidavit	No direct support, you manage enforcement	No direct support	Full legal enforcement, litigation
Types of Work	Broad podcast, art, literature, software, etc.	Broad podcast, art, literature, software, etc.	Any digital file	Any IP type copyright, patent, trademark
Time to “Protection”	Instant digital certificate	Weeks to months for certificate	Instant timestamp	Varies consultation is immediate, action takes time

Why Choose Protectmywork.com?

Cost-Effectiveness for Volume: For creators churning out a lot of content e.g., bloggers, graphic designers, indie podcastians with many songs, the flat annual fee for unlimited uploads can be significantly cheaper than registering each piece individually with a government office.
Simplicity and Speed: The instant certificate and easy upload process appeal to those who want a quick, hassle-free way to create a dated record of their work.
Active Support for Takedowns: The offering of free takedown advice, templates, and even affidavits is a value-add that goes beyond what a basic timestamping service or even a government registry provides. It aims to empower creators in self-enforcement.

Why Choose an Alternative?

Strongest Legal Standing Government Registry: If you are in a jurisdiction like the U.S. and want the absolute strongest legal ground for litigation, including the ability to claim statutory damages and attorney’s fees, formal registration is paramount.
Budget Self-Documentation/Basic Timestamping: For creators with very limited budgets who just want some form of dated proof, basic self-documentation or free/low-cost timestamping services might suffice, though with much less legal weight.
Comprehensive Legal Strategy IP Lawyer: For complex IP portfolios, strategic business decisions, or high-stakes infringement cases, an IP lawyer is indispensable. They provide tailored advice that no automated service can.

From an Islamic perspective, the choice would lean towards options that are clear, provide tangible value for a fee, and avoid financial ambiguities.

Formal government registration, while possibly more costly or time-consuming, provides the clearest legal framework.

Protectmywork.com, as a witnessing service for a clear annual fee, appears permissible if its financial structure remains free of interest or excessive uncertainty.

“Poor man’s copyright” and ambiguous digital timestamping services that don’t provide clear legal weight should be approached with caution or avoided due to their inherent uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Protectmywork.com a legitimate company?

Based on the website information, Protectmywork.com claims to be a legitimate company operating since 2002, with a registered company number in England & Wales No.

and a VAT registration number 314566507. They also state they have protected over 470,000 pieces of work and have numerous 5-star reviews.

What exactly does Protectmywork.com do?

Protectmywork.com acts as an independent third-party witness to your creative work.

It records the date and time of your submission, generates a unique digital certificate, and logs relevant data like hash codes and IP addresses to help you prove you are the original creator and when your work was created, aiding in copyright infringement disputes. Thespidershop.co.uk Reviews

Is copyright automatic, and why would I need Protectmywork.com?

Yes, copyright is generally automatic under international law Berne Convention from the moment of creation.

However, proving you are the original creator and the date of creation can be difficult in a dispute.

Protectmywork.com provides verifiable, independent evidence to make this proof easier, acting as a deterrent against theft and supporting potential takedown efforts.

How much does Protectmywork.com cost?

Protectmywork.com costs £41.65 ex. VAT per year for an annual membership. Additionally, a £1 ex.

VAT token is required for each piece of work you register up to 5 files per token. New members receive 5 free certificate tokens with their annual subscription.

Does Protectmywork.com offer a free trial?

Protectmywork.com does not offer a traditional “free trial” but provides a 14-day money-back guarantee. You pay the annual fee upfront, but you can request a full refund within 14 days of registration if you are not satisfied with the service.

What types of work can I protect with Protectmywork.com?

You can protect a wide range of creative works, including logos, website designs, podcast, songs, lyrics, educational materials, artwork, 3D models, photos, videos, films, books, audiobooks, blogs, poems, articles, software, apps, code, and databases.

Is Protectmywork.com effective in preventing copyright infringement?

Protectmywork.com aims to be a deterrent by providing clear proof of ownership and offering copyright warning logos.

While no service can guarantee complete prevention, having verifiable evidence and using their deterrent logos can make potential infringers think twice, and aid in the process of issuing takedown notices.

Does Protectmywork.com replace legal counsel?

No, Protectmywork.com does not replace the need for legal counsel. Coverler.com Reviews

They provide tools and support like takedown advice and template letters to help you manage disputes, but they are not a law firm and cannot represent you in court.

For complex legal issues or litigation, consulting an intellectual property lawyer is necessary.

How long does the copyright protection last with Protectmywork.com?

Copyright itself generally lasts for the life of the creator plus 70 years after their death under the Berne Convention. Protectmywork.com’s service provides proof of creation for as long as your membership is active and your certificates are stored on their system.

The legal duration of your copyright is governed by international and national copyright laws, not by the duration of your subscription.

Can I upload unlimited work with Protectmywork.com?

Yes, Protectmywork.com allows you to upload unlimited amounts of work under your annual membership. While each “piece of work” requires a £1 token which covers up to 5 files, the total volume of work you can store and protect is not capped by the membership.

Is Protectmywork.com valid worldwide?

Protectmywork.com claims its service is valid in 179 countries, referring to signatories of the Berne Convention Treaty, which establishes automatic international copyright protection. Their service provides independent evidence that can be used in these jurisdictions.

How do I cancel my Protectmywork.com subscription?

To cancel your Protectmywork.com subscription, you should log in to your member area and look for options related to “Account Settings,” “My Subscription,” or “Billing.” If you cannot find a direct cancellation button, contact their customer support via email [email protected] or phone.

Always request and retain a confirmation of cancellation.

Will I get a refund if I cancel after 14 days?

No, the 14-day money-back guarantee applies only within the first 14 days of your initial registration.

If you cancel your annual subscription after this period, you will not receive a refund for the current year’s fee, but your subscription will not renew for the following year. Qsource.com Reviews

What support does Protectmywork.com offer in case of infringement?

Protectmywork.com offers free takedown advice, provides template DMCA and Cease and Desist letters, and offers free email and phone support.

They also state they will provide an affidavit free of charge if a case proceeds to court.

How secure is Protectmywork.com with my uploaded files?

The website states that all data is encrypted for security and that work files are securely logged and credited to you.

They also claim that “none of the digitally time stamped data or files submitted can be altered on our system by anyone,” ensuring reliability.

Does Protectmywork.com offer services for trademarks or patents?

No, Protectmywork.com’s focus is explicitly on copyright protection.

Trademarks and patents are distinct forms of intellectual property and require separate registration processes, typically through national or international patent and trademark offices.

What is the purpose of the digital certificate from Protectmywork.com?

The digital certificate generated by Protectmywork.com serves as documented, independent proof of your copyright.

It contains a unique reference number, the date and time of registration, and details of the work and owner, which can be presented as evidence in disputes.

Can I share my Protectmywork.com certificate with others?

Yes, the digital certificate can be shared online.

This can be useful for demonstrating proof of ownership to potential licensees, publishers, or in response to infringement claims. Questdiagnostics.com Reviews

Is Protectmywork.com an officially recognized copyright office?

No, Protectmywork.com is a private company that provides a third-party witnessing and documentation service.

It is not a government-run copyright office like the U.S.

How does Protectmywork.com help with Amazon or eBay infringement issues?

According to testimonials on their site, users have successfully used Protectmywork.com’s certificates and support to notify platforms like Amazon and eBay of infringement, leading to the removal of offending listings.

Their service helps provide the necessary proof of ownership that these platforms often require.undefined

Protectmywork.com Reviews