COPYRIGHTS

Developing the next breakthrough software? Creating written, audio, and/or visual content for yourself or another? These works are an integral part of your intellectual property portfolio and are valuable business assets. You know you need to protect these things, but do you know how? Goings Legal takes a proactive approach, working closely with you to identify and protect your assets now to avoid disputes later.

Goings Legal offers expertise in:

• identifying copyrightable material
• copyright registration
• strategizing what to register
• devising strategies to protect your IP portfolio
• licensing strategy, negotiations, and drafting
• stopping misuse of your protected material

What is a copyright?
A copyright protects original, creative works. Works such as art, graphic design, movies, music, books, and even software can be protected by copyright.

What does a copyright give me?
A copyright gives the owner 5 different rights. The right to:

• reproduction
• distribution
• public display
• public performance
• make derivative or adaptive works

Do I have to register to get a copyright?
Contrary to what many think, you do not have to register a copyright to get protection. Copyright protection is granted as soon as a qualifying work is created. However, registration does afford the copyright owner extra benefits: 1) registration is required to file a lawsuit; 2) registration acts as a presumption that you are the rightful owner of the copyrighted material; and 3) registration allows the recovery of statutory damages (minimum of $750 per work).

Should I register all my works?
It depends. If you derive income from the material, then definitely yes, but if it is supplemental material (such as informational blog posts), then it may not be worth the money. Goings Legal can help you determine what materials and works you should register.

When should I register?
If you are going to register the works, it is best to follow this advice: register early and register often.