Every year, millions of Americans create original works – books, music, research and other forms of creative expression. All of these creations are intellectual property, and all of them are protected by copyright. For writers, editors, and publishers, understanding copyright issues is essential, especially now that the production of counterfeit and pirated goods, including written works, has become so prevalent. Indeed, according to the OECD, the value of imported fake goods worldwide based on 2016 customs seizure data was $509 billion, up from $461 billion in 2013 (2.5% of world trade).