Copyright Law
A copyright protects your original works. These include writings, movies, software coding, music, architectural works and works of art that have been tangibly expressed in a fixed medium. Obi Law Group can assist you in obtaining the exclusive right to make and sell copies of your works and intellectual property.
Copyright Law
Copyright provides individuals, businesses, and organizations protection of original works of art (i.e., creative expressions that are fixed in a tangible medium of expression). Copyrights can be obtained for many types of works, including a computer software coding, the manuscripts of a book, paintings, a recorded or written selection of music, a photograph, or a motion picture (film/movie). At OLG we help our clients through the process of publishing works of intellectual property and having it formally copyrighted. Formal, federal registration of copyrights provide the best remedies against infringers. Copyright Registration provides you with statutory damages and the added benefit that you do not need to prove actual harm — only that an infringement on your rights has occurred.
The Copyright Filing And Application Process
Selecting the proper copyright application and ensuring the correct governmental requirements are satisfied is critical when filing for formal copyright registration. Here are a few key things to know when acquiring a copyright:
- When registering a copyright, you must first obtain the correct application form for your specific type of submission. The applications are categorized by the nature of the artistic work (audio recording, film, code, etc.).
- Once the proper application is chosen, the completed application must be filed with the U.S. Copyright Office. There are strict guidelines which must be followed regarding the correct materials and information required for the copyright registration and a standard filing fee must be paid.
- A copyright deposit must be made. This part of the registration process requires that a copy of the original work/materials be submitted to verify that the material is copyright eligible.
Get Your Intellectual Property Copyrighted Today
Need assistance? The Obi Law Group is here to offer you the extensive copyright counsel you are looking for to assist you with the registration process. The sooner you file for copyright registration, the sooner your work is properly protected before there is an opportunity for copying, redistribution or infringement. Please be aware that if there is infringing activity affecting your work on before your effective copyright registration date, you will need to prove, and can only sue for, actual damages — a difficult process that usually does not warrant the cost of the infringement lawsuit itself.
If you are ready to protect your intellectual work with a U.S. copyright, contact us for a free initial consultation and get the process started today.
