Copyright protects original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression and extends to both published and unpublished works. It’s the exclusive legal right, given to an originator or an assignee to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material, and to authorize others to do the same.
We have used copyright protection strategies to protect among other things.
- Product packaging design and art
- Product directions and other instructional materials
- Websites
- Advertising Literature
- Product design (e.
- Service provider forms and content
- Videos such as commercials
- Blogs
- Podcasts
- Photography
- Marketing jingles
COPYRIGHT PROTECTION IS INEXPENSIVE AND POWERFUL
My entrepreneurial clients do not appear to be cash rich post COVID, and really appreciate that copyright protection is relatively cheap. Portfolio reviews are in the $500 range and entire copyright filings are about $100 per application including U.S. Copyright Office fees.
Do not let its low prosecution costs fool you: registered copyright protection is enforceable in federal court as trademark and patents. The damages include statutory damages for which the copyright holder need not establish how they were damaged.
WEB MEETINGS AND COPYRIGHT
You probably have been on Zoom, WebEx, or GotoWebinar more than you ever have before. Where the content may not have been copyrightable if done in person, such content takes a whole different context when broadcasted.
Accordingly, please be cognizant about any sensitive content you are putting out there should be protected against infringement. Likewise, make sure that you are not infringing on someone else’s content while hosting or participating in a webinar.
CARES ACT
It is also important to note that with the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Copyright Office and the USPTO has been granted temporary authority by the CARES Act and are extending certain deadlines, waiving certain fees, as well as providing other temporary protections during this health crisis. EmergeCounsel can provide more information to affected business owners who are seeking copyright protection.
COPYRIGHT AS PART OF ENTIRE IP PORTFOLIO STRATEGY
Copyright protection is a very inexpensive form of IP protection but not the only form. A significant portion of EmergeCounsel’s business pertains to broad scope intellectual property protection for emerging businesses. If you are an emerging business seeking skilled legal counsel to protect your intellectual property, I would love to learn about your business and your particular legal needs.