Whether you are an artist, musician, or inventor, the most important thing you can do is protect your work. You may find that your valuable ideas need legal protection. If you have an interest in obtaining copyright or are in the midst of one, our dedicated intellectual property lawyers have over 25 years of experience in protecting our client’s creations. Continue reading to learn more about copyrights.
What is a copyright?
Obtaining copyright ensures that you will get credit and recognition for your work. Copyright protects original works of authorship, which can include anything from music to computer programs. When you copyright your work, you have legal rights to it, which gives you the right to reproduce, redistribute, transfer, or license to others. If you have any questions about the copyright process, it is in your best interest to contact a skilled intellectual property attorney for help.
How can I obtain a copyright?
The copyright process is not as difficult as people make it out to be. With the help of an experienced attorney, the process can be quick and easy. 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 can I protect my copyright?
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 copies my work?
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 your copyright has been stolen, contact The Law Offices of Richard E. Novak, LLC. Our experienced legal team is here to help you and your rights.
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.