Copyrights

Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression that can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated. Categories of copyrightable subject matter include literary, musical, and dramatic works; pantomimes and choreographic works; pictorial, graphic, audiovisual, and sculptural works; motion pictures, sound recordings, and architectural plans. Copyright protection for an original work of authorship extends to any idea, procedure, process, system, method, operation, concept, principle, or discovery regardless of the form in which it is embodied.

While the law automatically provides creators of copyrightable works with a copyright, additional steps are required to take full advantage of the protections provided by the copyright law. Although not required in order to preserve the copyright, a copyright notice placed on the work implements certain legal advantages to the copyright owner, including the elimination of some defenses to a copyright infringement action. Proper registration of the copyright with the United States Copyright Office is absolutely necessary before the copyright can be enforced in a court of law. A correct application for registration of the copyright will many times involve a legal analysis of whether the work is one made for hire and other issues related to ownership of the copyright. Expeditious registration of the copyright in the United States Copyright Office also has a dramatic effect on the damages that may be claimed for copyright infringement.

The attorneys at Hanes & Schutz, LLC have many years of experience in all aspect of copyright law, including the filing of copyright applications, the trial and appeal of copyright lawsuits, and the negotiation and drafting of copyright license agreements.

The firm of Hanes & Schutz, LLC is equipped to provide advice and assistance on all of the important issues that impact the value and effectiveness of a copyright. When the time comes to take advantage of the copyright through negotiation and licensing or the enforcement of the copyright through litigation, the firm is prepared to adeptly represent a copyright client.

A published case involving copyright issues litigated by Hanes & Schutz, LLC:

Todd v. Montana Silversmith Inc., 75 U.S.P.Q.2d 1598 (D. Colo. 2005)

This website is not intended to constitute legal advice and may not reflect the most current legal developments. The information contained in this website is provided only as general information. By posting and/or maintaining this website and its contents, Hanes & Schutz, LLC does not intend to solicit legal business from clients located in states or jurisdictions where Hanes & Schutz, LLC or its individual attorneys are not licensed or authorized to practice law.