Copyright is one form of intellectual property protection. When you suspect your copyright has been violated, you may be understandably upset. It is important, however, to remain calm as you evaluate your options. Far too many copyright disputes are unnecessarily escalated when they could have been amicably and simply resolved. Avoid things like contacting...
Continue reading…Category: Copyright Litigation
New EU Copyright Law May Limit Artists from Sharing Works on Social Media
How would the European Union’s Copyright Directive alter existing copyright laws?
In the age of the internet, artists share much of their work online. Social media outlets have made it far easier for artists to access the work of other artists and, at times, incorporate some aspects of it into their own piece. Now, the... Continue reading…House Bill Proposes Creation of Copyright Small Claims Court
How might a copyright small claims court benefit independent artists?
A House bill was recently introduced which would allow for the creation of a small claims court for copyright enforcement. The bill, officially named the CASE Act, or Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2017, could allow for more photographers and independent artists to...
Continue reading…Virtual Reality & Copyright Protection
Do existing copyright laws protect virtual reality applications and works?
Virtual reality (VR) involves computer generated simulation of three-dimensional images or environments that users can interact with using special electronics, such as headsets or special gloves. VR can be described as “near-reality,” and with recent innovations in the field of virtual reality, users...
Continue reading…Melania Trump’s Speech Raises Copyright Concerns
Are public speeches copyrighted?
Melania Trump, wife of Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, spoke at the Republican National Convention to a massive crowd of enthusiastic voters. Just moments after the speech ended, however, controversy erupted. News outlets started reporting that a portion of her speech was strikingly similar to...
Continue reading…Your Work—How To Protect It With Copyright Registration
Are you a musician, artist, or writer and have an authentic work that you would like to protect?
Your creation does not need to be published in order to file for protection. However, it cannot merely be an idea. An idea must, instead, be established in a “tangible medium of expression,” such...
Continue reading…Protecting Your Copyrights on Social Media
What are the copyright rules for social media?
As more businesses engage in the digital world, the risk of copyright infringement on the internet has become a significant concern for decision makers. In particular, businesses that rely on social media marketing tools to promote their products and services need to be aware...
Continue reading…Court Rules Monkey Can’t Hold Copyright
Have you seen the “monkey selfie”? The charming photo has been making the rounds on the internet as a court has been considering who holds the copyright to the photo. Does the photographer who set up his equipment near the monkeys own the photo, or does the monkey who snapped the shot?...
Continue reading…Copyright Suit Against Nike Dismissed
How similar do two works have to be in order for a court to find copyright infringement?
Popular shoe and apparel manufacturer Nike was recently the target of a copyright suit involving it’s famous Jordan brand. Jumpman, as the logo is referred to, is a silhouette image of basketball star Michael... Continue reading…Instagram-Based Exhibit Raises Copyright Questions
Can someone be guilty of copyright infringement for using your images?
It seems like everyone in New York is talking about artist Richard Prince’s latest exhibit, “New Portraits” - a collection of screenshots of other people’s Instagram photos that Prince added his own comments to before printing them out on large canvasses. Continue reading…