Copyright

Overview

Copyright law protects the rights of creators such as artists, writers, publishers, and programmers to profit from their work. Meunier Carlin & Curfman counsels companies, individuals, and investors on securing privileges and ownership of their copyrightable assets – works that have been expressed in tangible form.

In an age that is increasingly governed by digital technology, it is easier than ever to record or express a work. However, it is also easier than ever for such copyrights to be violated or infringed. We work with our clients on a wide range of issues relating to copyright, including:

• Litigation relating to alleged copyright infringement
• Due diligence and investigations relating to ownership and copyright registration status
• Management of claims and damages relating to alleged infringement
• Employer-employee copyright disputes, including work-for-hire agreements
• Protecting rights to digital assets
• Counseling on matters of fair use
• Rendering opinions on foreign protection
• Copyright registrations

While registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is not required to obtain copyright, registration can strengthen the hand of the copyright holder. For example, a copyright holder who wishes to pursue legal action against someone for copyright infringement must register the work with the Copyright Office. Registration provides a public record of ownership and can create a presumption of ownership that may prove valuable during litigation. The more important a copyrighted work is to a business, the more valuable registration becomes.