willyb53 is correct, Copyright is automatically granted the moment an artistic work is created. And as for the arguement that not being allowed to use other peoples work restricts an artists creativity is quite frankly well.....cobblers. A TRUE and GOOD artist will always try to be creative, infact they don't need to steal or take because they create their own ORIGINAL ideas. If there are any legal restrictions (such as fan-arts or their take on a classic image) then a decent artist will try to ensure they stay on the right side of things. So what does that say about those who reckon it's OK to take from someone purely, because it belongs to big media? To me that says they want to stake an ownership, so they can monterise it for themselves. Poser sharing sites are an example of this. They talk about "making art free", but many have paid for VIP areas! Reality is simple, if it ain't yours it aint yours. You can't just nick the bits you like and call it yours. Thats stealing end of, as various cases about sampling have shown. Also doesn't matter what media it is either. If someone paints, renders, photographs or tattoos it's academic, it belongs to that artist. Switching format doesn't change that either.

Pinky - you left the lens cap of your mind on again.