What Do I Need to Know About Copyright?
One of the most important things a creator can do for themselves is to protect their work. This may be whether they are an artist, musician, inventor, etc. In order to do this, one must obtain a copyright. This ensures they get the credit and recognition they deserve in addition to saving them money in the long run. If you need assistance handling the process of getting copyright, contact an experienced New Jersey intellectual property attorney today for assistance.
How Do I Get a Copyright?
With the help of an attorney, the copyright process can be a smooth process. This can begin by the attorney contacting the United States Copyright Office and giving a copy of the material that was created. This can be kept in the Library of Congress. Once it is approved, the creator can receive their copyright notice within one year of its first publication.
How Do I Protect My Copyright?
The term of protection on a creation depends on the date of its publication. Material that is copyrighted on or after January 1, 1978, is protected from the date of its creation until 70 years after the creator’s death. Anonymous material or material that is created or contracted under another name is protected for 95 years after its publication or 120 years from the date it was created.
What Can I do if Someone Copies my Work?
No one wants to see something they worked so hard on be copied by another person. This not only steals the idea, but the money that is made by profiting off it. When a person’s copyrighted work is stolen by someone else, the creator can either recover monetary loss plus any profits, or they can win statutory damages. This can be anywhere between $750 and $30,000. If they are able to prove the other party’s willful infringement, they may be able to recover up to $15,000 in statutory damages. In addition to this, the individual may be able to recover attorney’s fees and costs.
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.