Copyright Laws in New Jersey | What You Need to Know
“Copyright” is a term that is thrown around often, but not many people actually know what copyright is or what the process entails. Read on to learn more about New Jersey’s copyright laws.
What is a copyright?
Copyright protects original works of authorship. When you copyright your work, you have legal rights to it, which gives you the right to reproduce, redistribute, transfer, or license to others. Overall, obtaining a copyright ensures that you will get credit and recognition for your work.
How can I obtain a copyright?
The copyright process is not difficult, especially when working with an experienced intellectual property attorney. To begin the process, your attorney will contact the U.S. Copyright Office and provide a copy of your material to keep in the Library of Congress. Once that is approved, you will receive a copyright notice within a year of the first publication.
How long does a copyright last?
It is important to know that your work cannot be copyrighted forever. Material that was copyrighted on or after January 1, 1978, is protected from the date of its creation until 70 years after the creator’s death. Any anonymous material or material created under another name is protected for 95 years after its publication or 120 years from the date it was created.
What if someone infringes on my copyright?
If your work has been stolen by another, you will need a skilled attorney on your side. As the creator of a stolen copyrighted work, you have a few options. You may recover monetary loss plus any profits, or you can win statutory damages anywhere between $750 and $30,000. If you can prove willful infringement, in some cases, you may recover up to $15,000 in damages. Additionally, you may be able to recover damages for attorney fees and costs.
If you have any questions or concerns about the copyright process, reach out to our firm today. We are here to advocate for you and walk you through the process every step of the way.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC has over 25 years of experience helping clients through tough times when they need it most. If you need assistance with any intellectual property, traffic violations, or business law matters, our firm is here to help. It is critical that you pick the right attorney who can protect your rights. Contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC for a consultation.