Chicago Copyright Attorneys
Do I Need a Copyright Lawyer or Attorney Law Firm?
There is no requirement for any author or creator to work with copyright attorneys or lawyers. An individual can independently get copyrights without the help of an intellectual property professional.
What our copyright attorneys bring to the table is expertise and an understanding of procedures pertaining to copyright and other intellectual property. We can help expedite the process of gathering the right documents and leverage our resources to help our clients.
We help ensure proper registration for your intellectual property. As some copyrights are more complex than others.
For example, work with multiple authors can quickly become complicated by registration challenges. But we can effectively provide the services and support to manage any issues and documentation required.
Another benefit our law firm offers is representation in cases someone has illegally accessed your work. Our attorneys provide expert legal representation and can help you protect your property rights.
To ensure the protection of your work, it is always best to consult with an experienced Chicago Intellectual Property Law Firm, like Cook Alex.
Why Do I Need Copyright Protection?
In a technology-driven world, information is instantly accessible across the globe. There has been no other time in our lifetimes where we can connect with people on the other side of the world, allowing intellectual property lawyers to play a crucial role in protecting digital content.
What does that mean for your intellectual property?
It boils down to having the support you need when protecting your work. And our team of copyright attorneys in Chicago can provide the services you need.
Cook Alex’s copyright attorneys deliver professional, experienced support that helps you keep your work safe from being misappropriated or simply stolen.
But What Does Copyright Law Protect in Terms of Intellectual Property?
Copyright law covers original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible medium, protecting published and unpublished works. Some examples of copyrightable works include:
- Literary works: Books, comics, graphic novels, poetry, and manuscripts
- Dramatic works: Plays, scripts, choreographies, and screenplays
- Musical works: Songs, albums, operas, ballets, soundtracks, and dances
- Pictorial works: Prints, photographs, sculptures, drawings, and paintings
- Architectural works: Drawings, preliminary plans, sections, floor plans, blueprints, and constructed buildings
What is not covered by copyright law?
It’s confusing to determine copyright protection. While some things are original works, they do not automatically fall under this protection. Some examples of things not covered by copyright law include:
- Ideas, procedures, methods, systems, or processes
- Works that are not fixed in a tangible medium
- Titles, names, short phrases, and slogans
- Familiar symbols or designs
- Listings of ingredients or contents
- Variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering, or coloring
Other intellectual property laws can protect some of these items.
So, what can you do to protect your IP?
Work with our team of Chicago copyright attorneys.
We help you navigate the complexities that accompany copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Our Chicago IP Lawyers can help you obtain, protect, enforce, defend, and maximize your intellectual property portfolio through counseling, representation, and litigation.
To learn more about our Chicago copyright attorneys, please call (312) 236-8500. There, one of our experienced IP Lawyers can provide more details about our services and can answer questions you may have. If you would prefer to send us a message instead, please fill out the form found on this page, and we will contact you shortly.
Is Copyright Registration Free?
No. There are fees for registering copyrights and vary depending on the work, authors, and filing procedures.
For registering a claim in an original work of authorship, an intellectual property lawyer can help you through the process, and fees vary as such:
- Electronic filing
- Single author, same claimant, one work, not for hire: $45
- Standard application: $65
- Paper filing (Forms PA, SR, TX, VA, SE): $125
To learn more about fees related to copyright registration, visit the U.S. Copyright Office Fees Page.
What Does Copyright Infringement Mean?
Copyright infringement is the reproduction, distribution, performance, public display, or derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner.
How To Avoid Copyright Infringement Issues
Both individuals and companies can be liable for copyright infringement. Whether intentional or not, infringing on someone’s copyright is still illegal.
So, protect yourself and your work by considering these ways to avoid infringement:
Use Original Content
The safest way to avoid copyright claims is to create your own content.
Get Permission
With written permission from the author, you do not have to worry about legal ramifications.
Fair use
Certain copyrighted material under certain criteria falls under the fair use doctrine and you can use it for educational, commentary, or news reporting purposes.
Public Domain Material
Images in the public domain are copyright free. Users can use and change images in the public domain without permission or fees, avoiding litigation issues. Keep in mind that there are still some rules, like model release rights if the image is of a famous person.
Assume it’s Copyrighted
Just because you find an image through a search engine, or it doesn’t have a copyright symbol, doesn’t mean it’s not copyrighted. Unless the photo is yours, you may not have the right to use it.
Examples of Copyright Infringement
Copyright law protects authors and their ownership over their work. So, it is common to encounter situations where unauthorized access and use of the work occur, which leads to potential issues under trademark law. Some copyright infringement examples are:
Images and Text
Using stock photos, music lyrics, and writing without the owner’s permission.
Unauthorized Free Release
Making work available for free on any type of network when the owner plans commercial distribution in the future.
Plagiarism
This pertains to the use of someone else’s work without giving proper credit. Which is often found in academic writing.
Illegal Downloading
Downloading music, or other works, without permission. This is often a problem through file-sharing networks and other peer-to-peer platforms.
Copying
Taking someone’s work and duplicating it without permission.
How Long Does Copyright Protection Last?
Several factors determine the duration of a copyright, including the publication status of the work. If so, the date of first publication.
Works created after January 1, 1978, have copyright protection lasting the life of the author, plus an additional 70 years.
Anonymous work, pseudonyms work, or work made for hire lasts for a term of 95 years from first publication, or 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first. As per the copyright act.
Why Cook Alex?
Because our Chicago copyright attorneys ensure the protection of your work.
We understand the importance of protecting your intellectual property in an ever-evolving world of business. Cook Alex provides clients with a full range of IP and technology related legal services.
Benefit from our depth and breadth of technological, legal, and industry knowledge. To help transform your ideas, thoughts, and creativity into competitive advantages, consult with our team of intellectual property lawyers in Chicago.
You can trust us to handle all your intellectual property needs!
Take Advantage of our Intellectual Property Law Experience
Schedule a free consultation today!
We are ready to help you protect your copyrights and other intellectual property. To work with us, call (312) 236-8500 and speak with one of our team members. They can answer your questions and can discuss your needs in more detail. You can also send us a message by filling out the form found on this page, and we will contact you as soon as possible!
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200 West Adams Street, Suite 2004
Chicago, Illinois 60606
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Naperville, IL 60563
Fax: (312) 236-8176