My simple explanation.

Intellectual property includes things like graphics, designs, photos, books, descriptions, phrases -- basically it's anything you create.  All intellectual property is automatically "copyrighted", there is no requirement to register it or mark it in any way. If you create it you own it and all copyrights.  If you're looking at a website, all the pictures, borders, buttons, backgrounds and even the words are the property of the webmaster/owner and covered by copyright.

Copyright means you are the only one who is allowed to make copies and sell or give away copies or authorize someone else to sell that property. 

So let's talk about copies:  if you didn't create it...  then you shouldn't print, copy, save or reproduce in any way without the written permission of the owner of that intellectual property.  When in doubt, please ask -- most webmasters will let you know right away, if you don't get an answer consider it to be "no".  There are many graphics that are considered "Public Domain".  That simply means that anyone can use it  (just because it's on the internet does not mean it is "public domain", on the contrary, most everything has a copyright of one form or other).Finally let me say that 'close' is also a factor. Many courts have levied fines because the something is bears a close resemblence so keep that in mind too. An example would be to use and image with different print or font, that's just not allowed.  

What is a "Registered Copyright"?   That is when the owner takes the time to formally register all their work with the Government.  This registration further protects the owner and any violation can be settled in Federal Court at the violators expense. Please note all of the expenses are the responsibility of the violator whether they loose or not.  It is a serious crime and penalties can be high, not to mention the cost of bringing the action -- 

It's sort of a "Look but don't touch" situation.

If you have any questions, please email me and I will try to do my best to answer them. 

Please feel free to explore my entire web and thank you for respecting my copyright.