Copyright is a complex area of the law, and, with so much of our lives operating online these days, we’re constantly facing new challenges when it comes to the rules surrounding copyrights. For many people, copyright law can seem overwhelming, so first, let’s discuss what it actually means.
What is a Copyright?
Copyright is categorized as a type of intellectual property that grants the creator of the original work the right to control the copying and distribution of that work. In Idaho, and the rest of the United States, any work is copyrighted as soon as it is “fixed” (for example, you write out a novel, or record a song), however, automatic copyright can be hard to prove, and does not always stand up well in arguments of copyright infringement.
Individuals and groups who want to protect a piece of intellectual property can register their copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office, which can make it much easier to protect their copyright down the road. Some common types of work that are registered with the U.S. Copyright Office include:
- Musical Works
- Literary Works
- Film/TV
- Computer Games
- Recipe Blogs
- Photography
- Jewelry
- Architecture
- Computer Technology
- Clothing Designs
While you or your organization may be eager to share your work with the world, it’s important you understand how copyright works. That way, you can make sure your intellectual property is properly protected. Nowadays, anyone can have a song, painting, game, or any type of creative work go viral overnight, and with so many shares and interactions a host of copyright issues can come into play. While it can certainly be exciting to see so much traction on something you have spent a great deal of time and passion working on, it is important you or your organization get your fair dues, and so it can be crucial for you to have a good legal team on your side.
Why You Need a Copyright Attorney
With automatic copyright in place, and the option to register with the U.S. Copyright Office, many people assume that there is no need for a copyright attorney, but if you have valuable intellectual property, it’s wise to be proactive, and do everything you can to protect it. A copyright attorney can not only help citizens of Idaho register their copyright but can also help them develop a risk management strategy so they can be prepared for the various copyright issues that may arise in the future. However, even with a protection plan in place, copyright issues can still come up.
When that happens, copyright attorneys are ready to protect their clients’ rights, and your team will know exactly which avenues to pursue in terms of the most efficient approach. Attorneys can also assist you with copyrighted materials you hope to use for your project or business to make sure you have updated information regarding copying and distribution and that you are acquiring the appropriate licenses for your needs.
Many individuals and organizations are eager to share their work with the world, they just want their due credit and compensation for it. Copyright attorneys can help you negotiate the following:
- Licensing for advertising and marketing
- Acquiring foreign copyright registrations
- Licensing agreements and contracts
- Copyright infringement issues
Copyright issues come up every day and nobody wants to feel like they are being taken advantage of. Beard, St. Clair, Gaffney has a team of highly skilled copyright attorneys who can help you understand the intricacies of copyright law and work with you to put an action plan in place. Along with the services listed above, Beard, St. Clair, Gaffney can also help you with these services:
- Negotiating rights at an appropriate value
- Fair use and works in the public domain
- Enforcing copyrights across a broad spectrum of platforms
We want our clients to be able to focus on the important work they are bringing into the world, and not have to worry about someone trying to take credit for it or sharing it without proper compensation. There can also be cases where a group or individual uses your work to promote a product or cause you don’t agree with, and it’s important you are prepared to respond to these instances in a way that will protect you and your brand.
How Beard, St. Clair, Gaffney Can Help
When a copyright infringement issue comes up, our team can immediately jump into action and file injunctions, issue cease-and-desist letters and takedown notices and seek out settlements to resolve copyright issues. While the hope is always to be able to clear up copyright disputes quickly, your attorneys at Beard, St. Clair, Gaffney are always ready to support you in your copyright claims, whether it’s through arbitration or in a court of law.
We want the citizens of Idaho to celebrate their uniqueness and the offerings they bring to the world without worrying about complicated copyright issues. At Beard, St. Clair, Gaffney we strive to keep you protected, so that you and your products can shine.
