What to Do If You Receive a Copyright Infringement Notice?

A copyright is a type of intellectual property right that protects original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible form. A copyright owner has the exclusive right of reproduction, adaptation, publication, performance, and display of the original works, as well as the right to authorize third parties to exercise these rights. Generally, copyright infringement occurs when copyrighted material …

The Role of Intellectual Property in Protecting Innovation

Intellectual property is often the most valuable asset of a business. Intellectual property laws play a significant role in promoting and protecting innovation by affording legal rights to creators, inventors, and businesses to their inventions, brands, works of authorship, and trade secrets. The Importance of Intellectual Property For Your Business  Intellectual property protection can enhance a business’s valuation and attractiveness …

Do You Need a Copyright, Trademark, or Patent?

Copyrights, trademarks, and patents are different types of intellectual property. It is important to know the differences between them in developing a protection strategy.  What is a Copyright?  A copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original creative works. A copyright owner has the exclusive right to reproduce, adapt, publish, perform, and display the original works, as well …

What Happens if You Commit Copyright Infringement?

Committing copyright infringement can carry serious civil and criminal penalties. You may be liable even if the infringement was not intentional. If you are accused of committing copyright infringement, it is important to be aware of the steps you can take to address the matter and minimize your liability. What Constitutes Copyright Infringement?  Copyright protection provides the creator or owner …

How to Protect My Jewelry Designs

Jewelry designs may be protectable under US intellectual property laws. Jewelry designs are generally unique and intricate works of art that require creativity, skill, and craftsmanship and can consist of a wide range of elements, including the arrangement of gemstones, the shape and form of various metals, and their overall aesthetics. There are a few possible ways of securing intellectual …

Trademark Symbols – When Can I Use TM, SM, ® and © symbols?

The ™, ®, ©, and ℠ symbols are ubiquitous. We see them every day on the websites we visit and on the products we purchase.   While we may not pay much attention to them in our daily lives, they each serve a very important purpose and convey valuable information to the public.   It is important to know the differences …

International Copyright Protection

With the ease of access to content over the internet, creators (“authors”) find importance in obtaining intellectual property protection in the United States and abroad. Copyright laws are national in nature. This means that whether protection is afforded to a work is generally dependent on the laws of the territory in which protection is sought. However, there are a number …

Copyright Protection for Jewelry Designs

A universal form of adornment, the history of jewelry dates back over 25,000 years. The first forms of jewelry were made of feathers, bones, shells and stones and carried spiritual meanings. With the onset of the metal-era, jewelry became a sign of wealth and royalty. Today, jewelry is worn by the masses as a form of expression and adornment. The …

Copyright Issues in Self – Publishing

With the influx of new self-publishing services such as Amazon KDP and Createspace, self-publishing has become an appealing option for up and coming writers. The world of literary publishing is filled with copyright concerns typically placed in the hands of the writer’s publishing house, equipped with its own legal counsel. A writer who self-publishes is usually left with the responsibility …