Copyright Is Automatic

Artists and writers are often surprised to learn that copyright is automatic; that is, nothing needs to be done to claim copyright protection.

Who Owns and Holds the Rights to a Copyright

The creator of a copyrighted work does not always own the copyright to that work. In some cases, usually through an assignment or transfer, other persons or entities own the copyright.

Should I Copyright My Software, Online Application, or Mobile App?

Copyright law is the most important legal protection available to software publishers. Here's why.

Software and Application Development Agreements: Protect Your Copyright

Get your software development agreement in writing and includethese important terms.

Ten Tips for Songwriters: Credits, Copyrights, and Coauthors

You may have written an outstanding song with a fabulous melody, great lyrics, and memorable hooks. Yet your work doesn't stop there. Songwriting raises many legal issues such as: who gets the credit for a song, how are royalties split, can you claim tax deductions for home studios, and should you register a copyright. Here are ten tips to help manage the legal and business side of your songwriting.

Protecting Artwork That Uses Natural Elements: Copyright and Design Patent Laws

Many artists draw upon nature for their artwork. Yet protecting such artwork from copying is legally tricky. How can intellectual property law help artists to prevent their work from being copied?

When is a mechanical royalty due?

My husband's band is recording a CD of cover tunes. We know we have to list all of the writers and owners of the songs, but where do we go or whom do we register with before the release of the CD? Do we have to pay royalties to anyone?

Can We Use an Advertising Phrase Similar to One Used by a Competitor?

A competitor claims that it has a copyright on its entire monthly e-newsletter. The text includes the phrase "You Can Do It!" We had wanted to use the same phrase, but now we are worried that we cannot. Is that phrase subject to copyright protection?

Who Owns the Rights to a Lover's Poems?

Many years ago, several ardent admirers wrote poems about me in wonderful, lusty, funny, romantic, and adoring prose. These were presented to me as gifts, for my amusement and, of course, to gain favor. My question: I would like to print some of these delightful poems. Do I own them, or can I use them only if I give the writers credit? Suppose I can't locate them or they are deceased?

Can I Use a Photo of the Mr. Peanut Logo on Postcards for Sale?

I took a picture of Mr. Peanut on a jar of Planter's Peanuts. I know that Mr. Peanut is trademarked. But since I took the picture, can I use it any way I want? For example, I would like to put it on my personal website, and maybe even paste it onto a calendar I sell each year.

Can We Screen a Funny Video About Our Teacher?

My friends and I put together a comic video about the adventures of one of our teachers. Most of the scenes are based on stories he's told us in class, but some are things we just dreamt up. Is it legal to put this video online?

Do Internet service providers have to delete copyrighted material placed on chat boards?

I work as a "board monitor" at a major website. Part of my job is to ensure that material posted by the public on our online "chat" board is not offensive, illegal, or against our company's policies. Lately, people have posted full articles, published on other websites, word-for-word without even the copyright logo. Is this a copyright violation? Should I remove these sorts of postings? What do I tell these people if they get angry with me for deleting their posts?

How Do I Protect My Unpublished Cartoons From Being Copied?

I am an aspiring cartoonist whose work is not yet published. However, I plan to change that. What kind of copyright protection do I need?

Can I Stop a Website From Using a Photo of My Dog?

I took a photograph of my dog and published it on my personal website. As I was surfing the web, I noticed that the same photo was stolen and used on another website without my permission on a dog food company's website. The photo is not officially "copyrighted." But the company refuses to take the photo down and her Internet service provider (ISP) refuses to "take sides" until I get a court order. Do I have any legal recourse?

Can I Stop Others From Copying My Online Lists of Local Businesses?

I am collecting and compiling a lot of public information about businesses and plan to publish these as series of lists in a book and on the Web. These lists will include general information such as company names and phone numbers. If I publish the lists, can I stop others from copying them?

How Do I Hire a Lawyer to Shop My Band?

I have a band, which has been off to a pretty decent start. Our songs have played on five local radio stations so far. A DJ advised us to speak with a well-known music lawyer in town. He thinks we need a lawyer who can represent us to big labels to get signed. We have a nice song demo that I can give him, but we do not have any capital to compensate his service. How do new bands find and work with lawyers?

Must I Pay Former Band Members When I Solo-Produce a Cowritten Song?

I was in a band with two friends. We cowrote three songs together. Last year, the band broke up. I'm creating a CD of my music, and want to include the songs that the band created. Can I do this?

Can I Claim Money From Recordings I Played on But Did Not Write?

Years ago, I played in a band. We mostly earned our money through small gigs, although we did release several albums. I recently discovered that the albums are selling modestly well to this day. I have not received a dime in royalties, however, and was never contacted by the production company. I did not write any of the lyrics or music myself. Do I have any rights to redeem past or future royalties?