What You Need to Know About Copyrights
As a creator, one of the most important things you can do is protect your work. Whether you are an artist, musician, inventor, etc., you have valuable ideas that may need to be legally protected. In order to do this, you must obtain a copyright. Read on to learn more about copyrights, what they do, and how to obtain one.
What is a Copyright?
A copyright ensures you will get the credit and recognition you deserve for your work. Essentially, if something is copyrighted, the owner will have legal rights to it. To ensure that everything goes as planned, it may be best to contact a skilled intellectual property attorney for assistance with the process.
Obtaining a Copyright
There are some common misconceptions when it comes to copyright law. For example, many people believe that obtaining a copyright is a difficult process. In reality, with an experienced attorney by your side, the process is usually a quick and easy one. 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 approved, you will receive your copyright notice within a year of the first publication.
Protecting My Copyright
Your material will only be copyrighted for so long. The term of protection 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 if Someone Copies My Work?
Having someone steal your work is incredibly frustrating and can have a lot of serious impacts. Luckily, if your work is copyrighted, you have options. If your copyrighted work has been stolen, you will need the help of a skilled attorney. 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.
If you are interested in creating a copyright, or your copyrighted work has been stolen, reach out to an experienced intellectual property attorney today.
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.