Who may file a lawsuit to enforce the protections of a copyright?

Answer 1

There is nothing that need to be done to "claim" a copyright. Copyright protection is free and automatic. All that is needed is that a work of sufficient originality is "fixed in a tangible medium, perceptible to human eye, machine reader or other device".

Answer 2

I reckon most people can by filling out loads of forms. But you can't just put a copyright sign on your work for it to valid.

I think the above is not quite right: In the UK and in most of the world, copyright exists legally as soon as an original work is created, you don't need to register it or add a copyright symbol. It may help to prove that you are the copyright holder if you do register it. An 'original work' can be something as simple and banal as a photo of your children or a few bars of music.

Answer 3

Anyone can create a work of sufficient originality and have it automatically protected by copyright.

Answer 4

Only the owners of a copyright may file a lawsuit to enforce their rights.