Copyrights, kathryn a porter

Copyrights protect original literary and artistic expression that is conveyed in a fixed medium. For example, a book, a song or a movie is protected by copyright law. Ideas by themselves are not copyrightable. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to mail a copy of your work to yourself (poor man's copyright) in order to obtain a copyright. Your work is copyright protected the moment it was created! It is still a very good idea to register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office so you can be awarded statutory damages if your work is infringed upon. I can handle your intellectual property needs, from assignments to licensing to registrations.

A copyright search of ownership is essential before you buy or finance copyrighted work from another. I can verify the chain of title in copyright ownership for you.

Copyright Infringement of a copyright can lead to a costly court battle. Is someone using your copyrighted work without your permission? Have you been threatened by a cease and desist letter because you downloaded music off of the internet? Let me evaluate your situation and resolve the problem for you.

Permission to use someone else's copyrighted material? Do you know when you need it? Would you know who to ask? Avoid finding out the hard way, consult with me first.

Work for hire is a term that means any copyrightable work produced by an employee automatically belongs to the employer. It's best to put this in writing and have the employee sign it. I can draft a work for hire agreement for you that protects your intellectual property rights.

Assignment of copyright is a transfer of copyright ownership to another. I can draft a copyright assignment agreement and record it with the U.S. Copyright Office. Need help negotiating a transfer? Let me handle the details.

Copyright registration is a must for things such as art, computer programs, screenplays, books, song recordings, song writing, photographs, and web sites. An intellectual property portfolio is very valuable to a tech company. I have extensive experience registering copyrights with the U.S. Copyright Office.