As recently illustrated in the Iron Man 3 Poster Lawsuit, direct evidence of copying is hard to prove in copyright infringement cases. Proof of infringement is often shown by proving: That there is a substantial similarity between the copy and the original; and that the copier had access to the original work.
New Copyright Court Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Senate version of the Copyright Small Claims Bill. That bill, known as the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2019 now moves out of committee and will go the floor to be voted on by the full Senate. An identical companion bill, H.R. Read more about New Copyright Court[…]
Acknowledging Use of a Photograph Many people believe they can use someone else’s work as long at they acknowledge that the work belongs to someone else. However, using someone else’s photo is not permissible just because they provide credit to the photographer. If someone has permission to use a photo, then they have permission. If Read more about Acknowledging Use[…]
When is use of a Photograph Fair-Use? Copyright Infringement Generally, use of someone else’s photograph is infringement, it is not Fair-Use. Copyright Infringement occurs when someone uses a photograph without the permission of the photographer. The use can include use on the internet, on a webpage, social media, media, advertisement or marketing use. Copyright Infringement Read more about Photograph Fair-Use[…]
One of my favorite quotes goes something like this, “always be yourself, unless you can be Batman, then be Batman.” Well, when it comes to copyrighting weeds, I would rather be Batman. Copyright Lawsuit In a recent Copyright Case, an artist sued the Batman actor, Val Kilmer, for stealing his golden weeds. Specifically, tumbleweeds. The Read more about Who wins, Batman or Copyright?[…]
Copyright Registration Since 1978, registering a work of art for copyright protection is no longer required. While a registration is not required, a copyright registration does provide enhanced rights, including the right to collect monetary damages. Under federal law, a timely registered copyright allows the author of the work to collect damages which are provided Read more about 101 Series – How to Prepare a Copyright Application[…]
Rights under Copyright Law A copyright owner automatically receives a number of different rights when they create a copyright work. Those rights include the right of reproduction, public display, distribution and the right to prepare derivative works. For some types of work, this also includes the right of public performance. However, when an owner sells Read more about Exhaustion of Copyrights based on Sale[…]
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will take on the issue of whether a copyright registration or a copyright application is required before bringing a copyright infringement suit. Currently, depending on the location of your copyright lawsuit, some courts require a copyright registration. Other Courts simply require that you have filed a copyright application Read more about Copyright Application vs. Copyright Registration[…]
Copyright infringement typically involves copying someone else’s creative work. However, what happens when you copy something that was itself a copy of something you create? For example, what happens when someone creates a new website for you or your company; if the new website was based on your old website is it still infringing to Read more about Disney Accused of Looting (i.e. Infringing) Pirate Franchise[…]
Does your business need a license to play music? Do you really need a music license just to play cover songs? Music licensing is not something to gamble with. Spotify recently settled a class action lawsuit for more than $43 million after failing to pay publishers and songwriters when they streamed their music. While Spotify’s Read more about Pay BEFORE You Play: Why Music Licensing Matters[…]