S1 E21 Copyright protections length coverage and strategies with Wayne Carroll

S13 E21 Copyright protections - How long, what is covered, and strategies for registration According to David Israelite, President and CEO of the National Music Publishers' Association, copyright serves as the legal foundation for not only the music industry, but also the film, software, publishing, and many other creative industries. As a small business owner, it is important to understand how copyright works, even if your business does not operate within one of these industries. If you create any form of content, have a website, or have developed any software or manuals for your business, you may be creating intellectual property that requires protection under copyright law. Many small business owners assume that they automatically own the copyright for work created by an employee or commissioned from a contractor, but this is not always the case. In fact, the copyright owner may be the person who created the work, unless there is a written agreement in place that specifies otherwise. If you do not own the copyright for your work, it may be difficult to sell your business or transfer ownership to someone else. Copyright law gives the owner exclusive rights to control how their work is used, reproduced, and distributed. Including any reproduction, derivative works, and public performance of their work. For visual works of art, the owner also has the right to control how the work is displayed in public. Copyright protections apply to literary, artistic, musical, and other works with creative content. In the United States, the creator of the work automatically owns the copyright as soon as it is created and fixed in a tangible form. Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is recommended for additional legal protection. If you are creating original work, it is important to document the date of creation and consider registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office. While copyright registration is not required to claim copyright, it is necessary if you wish to bring a lawsuit in Federal Court. Registering your work before any potential infringement occurs can also entitle you to statutory damages and attorney fees, whereas registering after infringement has occurred will only entitle you to provable damages. If you have a large number of works, such as photographs, you can combine them into one filing with the U.S. Copyright Office. This can make the process more efficient and cost-effective. In conclusion, copyright is an essential aspect of protecting your intellectual property as a small business owner. It is important to understand how copyright works and take steps to ensure that you own the copyright for any creative works that your business produces. By doing so, you can help protect your business from potential legal action and maintain control over your intellectual property.

BIO: Wayne Carroll founded Inspired Idea Solutions Law Firm in 2013, an IP boutique law firm focused on helping small businesses with intellectual property. At Inspired Idea Solutions, we use a proven process for obtaining IP rights that focuses on aligning the business strategy of small business clients with their IP strategy. We help small businesses implement a strategy to ensure they own and leverage their intellectual property. We also have clear expectations with zero hidden fees.

In addition to his legal work, Wayne is an Eagle Scout and actively volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America. He is also a proud father of six children and enjoys playing pickleball. Wayne's extensive experience and expertise in intellectual property law make him a highly respected attorney and a valuable asset to clients seeking protection for their intellectual property rights. Wayne can be reached at 480-741-2440 or [email protected]. You can also connect with Wayne on LinkedIn.

Schedule an appointment with Wayne Carroll for a strategy session on protecting and leveraging your intellectual property.

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