Marty-copyright protection is actually quite simple. However, enforcement may be a different matter. In short, any thing created subject to copyright, i.e. written works, art, photos etc., is automatically owned by the creator and the copyright resides with the creator subject only to the exceptions in the law (fair use, criticism, news, and the like). No filing is required nor is it required that that the copyright symbol be displayed on the work. The copyright is automatic, granted by law. That said, enforcement is also up to the copyright holder. If someone uses a copyrighted work without permission, the owner must chase him down and seek compensation or demand the use cease. This can be painstaking and expensive. That is why, at least for digital photos, many do use a watermark so the digital file cannot be reproduced. If you check out the on-line stock photo sites, their pictures carry the watermark. As we all know, you can click on a photo you see online and generally download it in a few seconds. When someone purchases the right to use, the owner sends a file without the watermark. If you recall, several of the social websites got a lot of criticism a while back because their terms of service (which nobody ever reads!) included a provision that anyone signing up gave up their rights to any photos posted. Most have now changed or limited that provision because of the criticism they received.