Protecting your original work is crucial to preserving ownership and managing how it is used, regardless of how big or small your company is. To ensure that your works are legally acknowledged as yours, copyright protection is essential. David R. Mullany, Esq. is your go-to partner in Boston for assistance in obtaining these rights.
Our staff is up to date on the most recent developments in Boston copyright law, which enables us to offer tailored advice that meets your unique requirements. We'll guide you through every step of the process—from registration to enforcement—so you fully understand the safeguards provided by copyright and know what to do if your copyrighted work is used without your consent.
We at David R. Mullany, Esq. make copyright registration simple and stress-free so you may safeguard your work and proceed with assurance.
Call David R. Mullany, Esq. at (978) 549-8900 for a Free Consultation.
Copyrights in the US
A crucial type of intellectual property, copyrights give owners and authors the sole right to their unique creations. Your creation is automatically protected by copyright law as soon as it becomes tangible.
Generally, copyright protects the following creative works:
- Novels, essays, poetry, short tales, and other written works are examples of literary works.
- Sheet music, sound recordings, lyrics, and compositions are examples of musical works.
- Photography: Digital and conventional images
- Software: Architecture, design, and source code
- Visual arts include sculptures, paintings, drawings, movies, and other artistic mediums.
You have the sole authority to make copies, distribute them, exhibit them in public, and produce derivative works based on your original work as a copyright holder. Additionally, you can choose to either license your rights while keeping ownership or give another party complete ownership of your copyright. While licensing permits others to use your work under certain conditions, a copyright transfer completely gives up your ownership rights.
Requesting for Copyright Protection
Although copyright registration is usually simple, depending on the type of work being protected, it necessitates close attention to detail. You must first fill out the relevant paperwork, pay the required filing fees, and send everything to the U.S. Copyright Office. Your application will be reviewed by the Copyright Office after it has been submitted, and before a decision is made, more information may be requested, and other parties may be allowed to oppose it if there is due cause.
Since there is no set timeframe for when the Copyright Office will give its approval or refusal, the processing time may vary. Depending on the intricacy of the work and the information provided, some approvals may be granted immediately, while others could take longer.
Once the copyright is approved, the work is protected for the lifetime of the creator plus an extra 70 years, assuming that the work was made after January 1, 1978. If the work is under a pseudonym or anonymous, the length of protection may vary.
Fair Use Policy
Even though copyrights clearly define who owns them, there are significant exceptions that let other people use certain protected content without getting permission. These exclusions are covered under the Copyright Act's "Fair Use" policy. Fair Use frequently applies in news reporting, charitable endeavors, commentary, criticism, and educational settings. Factors such as the type of work, the amount that will be used, and the effect of its use on the original work will also be considered when determining if the policy can be applied.
Copyright lawyers like David R. Mullany, Esq. can assist with determining how the Fair Use policy will be applied to your copyrighted work or if you intend to use someone else’s copyright. We can suggest how you can adapt these copyrights without causing issues for you and the copyright holder. We can also act if your copyright is used without your consent or if it was not used according to the Fair Use policy.
Copyright Infringement
When someone uses, copies, or alters a protected work without the owner's consent—and fraudulently claims it as their own—that is considered copyright infringement.
In the U.S, these offenses are not prosecuted by the Copyright Office directly. Instead, the agency works closely with the U.S. Department of Justice to guarantee that copyright infringement cases are handled appropriately. If a party is found guilty of infringement, these suspects may be subject to severe civil and criminal penalties, which may include monetary damages, hefty fines for each infraction, court orders, and even jail time.
Whether you need to defend yourself against an allegation of copyright infringement or take legal action against someone who is stealing your copyright, our skilled Boston copyright lawyers can help. Every case is carefully and strategically reviewed by us, and the legal plan is customized to best safeguard your interests and rights. We will remain by your side until your matter is completely settled, keep you fully informed at every stage, and prepare you for any outcomes.
How David R. Mullany, Esq. Can Assist With Your Business Copyrights
At David R. Mullany, Esq., you know your works are safe as we can assist you in looking into applying a copyright for them. We can help you understand the protections it grants and explore how you can open opportunities for others to use your copyright without any issues. From registration to adaptation, our skilled staff makes sure that every aspect is handled accurately, assisting you in obtaining the complete legal protections your work deserves.
We are also a Boston business law firm, allowing us to help you monitor your copyright’s application in the city. Once we see any infringement, we can report it for you and ensure that you get relief from its use.
Free Consultation Today
Your original creations are vitally protected by copyrights, and with the correct legal assistance, obtaining them may be a simple, easy process. Our skilled Boston copyright lawyers at David R. Mullany, Esq. are available to help you at every stage. If your work is ever utilized without your consent, we will help you properly file your copyright applications and be prepared to defend your rights.
To find out more about how we can help you safeguard your creations and how copyright protection may support your artistic and commercial endeavors, get in touch with our team right now.
Call David R. Mullany, Esq. at (978) 549-8900 today for a Free Consultation.