For decades, the copyright process in California and around the nation was pretty straightforward. Art such as films, plays and books would all be easily inserted into this copyright sector. However, the introduction of the internet has made things a little...
Copyright Law
Review common intellectual property protection strategies
You know that one of the most valuable assets of your enterprise is its intellectual property. However, you may not be aware of the best strategy to shield access by others who want to profit from your IP. Review these legal strategies for IP protection that holds up...
When do you not own the copyright to your work?
When you create your own audio, video, images or any other form of intellectual property, you typically expect that you can copyright it and later use that intellectual property to draw an income for yourself. In some situations though, you might not own the copyright...
What should you include in a copyright notice?
Protecting content or product that you created allows you the freedom to continue designing your creations with peace of mind. An active and valid copyright may achieve this goal and enable you to maintain the rights to your ideas. While the process of seeking...
What is fair use?
The Copyright Office explains fair use as a legal doctrine that permits the unlicensed use of copyright-protected work. This is only under specific circumstances, however. The Copyright Act has a framework included to determine whether something falls under fair use....
Handling copyright violations as a musician
If you work in the music industry, our law office knows the multiple pressures you likely face. For smaller artists who have a modest but strong support base, it is especially disheartening when one's work is stolen and no credit is given. For example, if you are a DJ...
Copyright protection: What you should know
Copyright protection is essential for artists and designers who wish to safeguard their literary works, musicals, art, movies, website content, photographs, songs, architecture and computer software. Once a protection is put in place, anyone who reproduces, publicly...
Protecting your company against copyright infringement
Many businesses take to social media when spreading the news about new products, services and noteworthy events. It is a quick way to share branded messages and custom content to convert prospects into clients. Unfortunately, once the artwork is on the internet, the...
What are some common myths surrounding copyright law?
While most people are aware of at least one major copyright infringement taking place within popular culture, there are still many misconceptions about copyright law. Understanding what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to this topic can prevent you from...
Why is copyright registration so crucial?
When you create an original artistic work in California such as a painting, a book, a musical composition, a computer program, a website, etc., you receive an automatic copyright to it once it reaches its final form. This gives you the right to affix the copyright...