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Resources / Guides / Terms of Service
Published by Usercentrics
8 mins to read
Nov 27, 2024

Protect your intellectual property using a copyright all rights reserved notice

The phrase “all rights reserved” is a staple of copyright law. You’ve likely encountered it in website footers, in books, or across creative works. But what does it mean, and how does it impact you?

Understanding “all rights reserved” is essential for safeguarding intellectual property. Whether you’re a creator, business owner, or legal professional, an all rights reserved notice serves as a clear signal of ownership, reinforcing the rights granted under copyright law. It’s more than a compulsory phrase — it’s a statement of protection that can shield your content from unauthorized use.

So let’s explore the meaning of all rights reserved and how to use it correctly. We’ll also look at a few “all rights reserved” examples to help you further understand how to protect your intellectual property.

“All rights reserved” is a phrase used in copyright notices to assert the copyright holder’s ownership of their work. This declaration explicitly reserves all the rights granted under copyright law, such as the rights to reproduction, distribution, and modification. Essentially, “all rights reserved” means that no one else may use the work without the copyright owner’s permission.

For example, the statement “©2025 [Company Name]. All rights reserved.” conveys that the company retains exclusive rights over the work and prohibits unauthorized usage. This notice typically includes the copyright symbol (©), the year of creation, and the copyright holder’s name.

Including this phrase clarifies ownership and provides a warning against unauthorized use, thereby establishing a foundation for enforcing copyright protection when necessary.

What does no rights reserved mean?

While “all rights reserved” protects ownership, “no rights reserved” indicates the opposite. Works with “no rights reserved” fall into the public domain, which means they can be freely used, copied, modified, or distributed by anyone without obtaining permission. This often applies to works released under Creative Commons Zero (CC0) licenses or when copyright has expired.

For example, if a photograph is labeled “no rights reserved,” it is free for public use without attribution or restriction. This approach is often chosen by creators who wish to contribute to public resources or those who are not concerned with controlling how their work is used.

Creators should understand the difference between “all rights reserved” and “no rights reserved” to make informed decisions about protecting or sharing their work. Opting for “all rights reserved” grants you maximum control, while “no rights reserved” relinquishes these controls entirely.

Why should you use an all rights reserved notice?

There are many benefits to adding an “all rights reserved” notice to your work. At its core, it’s a simple way to protect your creative efforts and assert your ownership.

First and foremost, it reinforces ownership by explicitly stating that all rights are reserved to the owner. This removes any ambiguity about who owns the content and establishes your position as the rightful owner. It’s a clear declaration that helps you assert your rights when necessary. It signals that you are actively protecting your intellectual property.

An “all rights reserved” notice also serves as a deterrent to misuse. By highlighting that the work is protected, the copyright all rights reserved notice discourages unauthorized copying or distribution. Those who see this may think twice before violating your rights, thus creating a psychological barrier against unauthorized use.

In the event of a dispute, the notice also strengthens your legal claims. Copyright protection does arise automatically upon content creation, however, including an “all rights reserved” statement provides additional support for your copyright intentions. This proactive step can bolster your case in infringement proceedings by demonstrating your commitment to protecting your work.

Beyond legal advantages, the notice raises public awareness about intellectual property rights. It reminds others that all rights are reserved by your company and that your work cannot be used without permission. In an era where digital content can easily be shared and repurposed, people may not be aware of when they are and are not allowed to do so.

Additionally, the “all rights reserved” notice offers international protection. It’s widely recognized across different jurisdictions. So this notice is particularly valuable for works that are distributed or accessed globally.

While not a legal requirement, including an “all rights reserved” notice is a practical and effective way to safeguard your creative efforts. It’s a small step with a significant impact, offering protection and clarity in a content-driven world.

Protecting intellectual property, especially online, requires measures like clear copyright disclaimers. Learn how to create one for your website with our guide.

The “all rights reserved” notice is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to protect their intellectual property. Here’s a closer look at who benefits most.

  • Creators: Artists, photographers, and musicians often use this notice to protect their original works from unauthorized use. Copyright protection helps ensure their creative efforts are recognized and monetized appropriately.
  • Authors and publishers: Books, articles, and other written content typically include this notice to maintain control over reproduction and distribution. It is vital for maintaining the integrity of published works and preventing plagiarism.
  • Businesses: Companies frequently apply “all rights reserved” to their logos, websites, and proprietary content to protect their assets.
  • Organizations and educational institutions: Schools and other educational organizations may use this notice for reports, research papers, and educational materials to clarify ownership and prevent misuse. Protecting intellectual property in these settings upholds credibility and ownership.

By using an “all rights reserved” copyright, you establish clear boundaries for how others can interact with your content, safeguarding both its originality and market value.

You should include an “all rights reserved” disclaimer whenever you create publicly accessible content that you want to protect. All rights reserved examples include:

  • Digital content: Websites, blogs, videos, and social media posts often feature the notice prominently in footers or credits.
  • Printed materials: Books, brochures, and manuals typically include the notice on copyright pages or in other visible locations.
  • Software and apps: Developers may incorporate it into license agreements or splash screens to safeguard their code and applications.
  • Visual art and photography: Creators embed the notice into metadata or visible overlays on their works.

Using the “all rights reserved” notice consistently clarifies your copyright intentions from the start. It’s an essential step for creators and businesses who value transparency and control over their intellectual property.

What is an all rights reserved example?

An “all rights reserved” statement clearly asserts copyright ownership, highlighting the creator’s exclusive rights. Below are two all rights reserved copyright examples from Usercentrics CMP and Cookiebot CMP.

Usercentrics

Here is our website copyright all rights reserved example:

As you can see, Usercentrics CMP uses a simple copyright notice on our website footer which states “© 2024 Usercentrics GmbH”. This includes:

  • the copyright symbol (©)
  • the current year
  • the company name

Usercentrics also adds:

  • the company’s registered location in Germany
  • links to legal documents, like Privacy Policies and Terms of Service

This clean and professional format maintains legal compliance while promoting transparency and trust.

Usercentrics Cookiebot

Here’s the all rights reserved notice from Usercentrics Cookiebot.

Cookiebot, now part of Usercentrics, has a slightly more detailed footer. In addition to the copyright symbol, year, and company name, it includes:

  • Trademark information
  • A note about its relationship with Usercentrics A/S
  • Company registration details in Denmark
  • Links to key resources, including cookie policies, privacy statements, and Terms of Service

Usercentrics Cookiebot’s footer emphasizes its focus on privacy compliance, with cookie declaration scripts and GDPR-consent mechanisms.

These examples demonstrate how companies can clearly and simply communicate copyright ownership while reinforcing their brand identity.

A clear and accurate “all rights reserved” notice is essential for protecting your intellectual property, and they’re simple to create. Follow these steps to create a professional copyright notice that effectively communicates your company’s ownership.

Your “copyright all rights reserved” notice starts with the universally recognized symbol (©) that signifies legal protection. Including it makes it clear to viewers and users that the work is copyrighted.

Step 2: Add the year of creation

Specify the year the work was first published or last updated. This date is significant because it establishes the timeframe for your copyright protection. Be sure to update the year if the content undergoes significant revisions.

Whether you’re an individual or a business, make sure to clearly identify the copyright owner. For collaborative works, list the entity or individual that holds the primary rights.

Step 4: Insert the phrase “all rights reserved”

The phrase “all rights reserved” reinforces that no part of the work can be used without explicit authorization. It is a direct reminder of the owner’s full rights. Adding this phrase deters unauthorized use.

Examples:

©2025 Jane Doe. All rights reserved.

or

©2025 Acme Inc. All rights reserved.

By following these steps and posting the notice somewhere prominent for viewers, you can easily create a notice that helps to protect your work from unauthorized use.

Where should an all rights reserved disclaimer be displayed?

The effectiveness of your all rights reserved notice greatly depends on where it’s displayed. Consider displaying your copyright notice in one of the following common locations:

  • Websites: Placing the notice in the footer means it’s visible on every page. This maintains consistent communication across all site content.
  • Books and publications: Place it on the copyright page, typically near the front of the book. This location makes it easy for readers to identify the copyright holder.
  • Videos: Include the notice in the credits or descriptions. Embedding it in metadata further enhances protection.
  • Images and artwork: Embed the notice in the metadata or as a watermark on the image. This dual-layer protection promotes visibility even if the work is shared widely.
  • Software and apps: Feature it in user agreements or splash screens for clear communication. Developers often add this notice to enhance visibility and safeguard intellectual property.

Placing your “all rights reserved” strategically helps make your copyright intentions clear and communicates that you’re serious about protecting your intellectual property. A well-placed disclaimer helps to prevent misuse, deters unauthorized use, and reinforces your ownership across various platforms and types of content. Different types of work may require different placements, so it’s important to choose locations that are highly visible and consistent.

While we may be used to seeing“all rights reserved” on websites and other media, it’s more than just a phrase. It’s a powerful declaration of ownership that helps protect your intellectual property. By understanding this notice’s meaning, knowing when to use it, and crafting one that’s clear and effective, you can safeguard your work against misuse. Whether you’re an individual creator or run a business, employing this notice is a proactive step toward asserting and maintaining control over your creations.