Los Angeles Trademark Lawyers
Focusing on California High-Tech IP Disputes
The intersection of technology and entertainment has engendered intellectual property disputes that would have been unforeseeable even ten years ago. Thus, the demand and significance of Los Angeles trademark lawyers have increased dramatically.
Software copyrighting and trademarks
The explosion in the use of smartphones has created a corresponding explosion in software. Software developers and app designers should copyright and patent their work, wherever applicable, to protect against illegitimate use of their creations. Even what seems like a small application or minor innovation can become a big moneymaker—and other companies may misappropriate it looking to make a quick buck off your hard work. A skilled San Francisco intellectual property lawyer like Gary Fergus have a broad range of knowledge about the software industry and can help you protect your rights.
Copyright disputes, the music industry, and high technology
The music industry has long dealt with copyright disputes, from a court finding that George Harrison’s song "My Sweet Lord" infringed on the copyrighted song, "He’s So Fine" to the 1991 federal case determining that rappers and other musicians had to secure permission and pay usage fees for all sampled music. The big change that has come about in the 21st century is the ease with which everyone can access and modify copyrighted material, meaning disputes between artists about unauthorized use or misuse of copyrighted works will likely continue unabated.
California entertainment lawyers have been fighting file-sharing software like Napster and Grokster for years to prevent consumers from pirating music and movies. But with all of the new software available for remixing, cutting, and modifying music, artists and their advocates must be even more aware of the possibility of copyright infringement by other artists.
Generally, copyright infringement cases hinge on the infringed-upon party showing that the infringer had access to the copyrighted material, and made use of that material. These days, almost everyone has access to copyrighted material digitally or through the use of physical media like CDs. Because the infringed-upon party rarely witnesses the alleged infringer copying the disputed material, courts tend to look for substantial similarity between the original work of art and the alleged infringer’s work, to determine whether the defendant improperly used copyrighted material.
Serving the IP needs of the music industry
Gary Fergus of Fergus, A Law Office has spent over 30 years working to help members of the entertainment industry protect their rights from infringers and copyright theft. He stands out among any San Francisco intellectual property lawyer because of his experience, his many hours in the courtroom, and his history of dedicated service to high-profile celebrity and business clients. If you have any intellectual property law issues or concerns, please contact Gary right away to discuss your case and protect your rights. He invites you to contact him through his website, by phone at 415-537-9030, or by visiting his conveniently located San Francisco offices to discuss your case.
