What Does a Copyright Lawyer Do?
Everything You Need to Know
What a Copyright Lawyer Can Do for You (And Why It Matters)
Looking to protect your creative work?
A copyright lawyer helps you secure, enforce, and maximize your rights under U.S. Copyright law. Whether you’re an artist, author, software developer, or business owner, copyright protection is crucial in today’s digital world.
At Cook Alex, a trusted intellectual property law firm serving Chicago and Naperville, Illinois, our experienced attorneys guide clients through copyright registration, infringement disputes, licensing, and more. Understanding what a copyright lawyer does—and when to hire one—can save you time, money, and creative ownership.
What is a Copyright Lawyer?
A copyright lawyer is a law professional that helps you protect original works of authorship. This intellectual property includes original writing, music, artistic works, and more. They specialize in securing, protecting, and defending your original works of authorship in cases of infringement or unauthorized usage.
When do You Need a Copyright Lawyer?
You don’t need to be a celebrity or a big corporation to need a copyright lawyer. If you’re created something original, like music, writing, software, photography, or even a website, you already have copyright protection under U.S. law. But enforcing that protection or using it wisely is where we can help.
Common Situations to Talk with a Copyright Lawyer
- You want to register your work with the S. Copyright Office.
- Someone is using your work without your permission.
- You’re negotiating a licensing deal.
- You received a cease-and-desist or DMCA notice.
- You’re not sure if your use of someone else’s work is considered ‘fair use’.
A copyright lawyer helps you understand your rights, avoid legal missteps, and protect the value of your work, before minor problems become costly ones.
Let’s build our relationship today;
contact us for a complimentary consultation to get started.
While Cook Alex would be pleased to discuss your legal needs, please understand that merely contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Additionally, please do not send us any confidential information unless we have agreed to be your attorneys and represent you.
Key Services Provided
Cook Alex is ready to provide comprehensive, personalized copyright support for services like:
- Copyright registration.
- Drafting and negotiating licensing agreements.
- Enforcing copyright through litigation or cease-and-desist letters.
- Fair use and defense strategies.
- Counseling on digital rights management.
We help you with every aspect of your copyrights and any other intellectual property needs.
Copyright Infringement: What Happens and How Lawyers Help
Simply put, copyright infringement is when someone uses your work without your permission.
Examples of Copyright Infringement:
Unauthorized Reproduction
Copying someone’s work, like a photo, article, or song, without permission.
Unlicensed Public Performance
Playing music, films, or other copyrighted material in public venues without the proper rights.
Plagiarism
Presenting someone else’s creative work as your own, often found in writing and academic content.
Derivative Works Without Permission
Creating new content based on copyrighted material, like a remix or sequel, without legal authorization.
Online Piracy
Uploading, streaming, or downloading copyrighted material from the internet illegally.
Software Piracy
Copying and distributing software programs without purchasing a license.
In an infringement case, a copyright lawyer evaluates the situation and how the creative work was used. Then, they provide legal help to protect your intellectual property.
Common Misconceptions About Copyright and Copyright Lawyers
Copyright law can seem straightforward, but it’s full of gray areas, and plenty of myths. Here are some common misconceptions people have, and the truth behind them:
‘If It’s on the Internet, It’s Free to Use’
Not true. Just because content is publicly available online doesn’t mean it’s free of copyright. Using images, videos, music, or writing without permission can still count as infringement.
‘I Don’t Need to Register My Work—Copyright is Automatic,’
While your original work is technically protected the moment it’s created, registration with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you critical legal advantages, like the ability to sue for damages.
‘As Long as I Give Credit, I Can Use Anything’
Giving credit does not equal permission. Unless the work is licensed for use (like under Creative Commons) or falls under fair use, you may still violate copyright.
‘Only Big Companies Need Copyright’
Independent creators, small businesses, and freelancers often need copyright help even more, because one mistake can have serious consequences.
Why Partner with Cook Alex?
At Cook Alex, we understand the importance of protecting your intellectual property. We offer a full range of intellectual property and technology related legal services backed by depth and breadth of technical, legal, and industry knowledge.
Our intellectual property law firm offers over a century of collective experience, and we have successfully represented clients of all sizes. Including inventors, start-ups, research institutions, foundations, universities, established businesses, and Fortune 500 Companies across a wide spectrum of industries and technologies.
We can help you protect more than just your copyrights; we help you maximize your intellectual property portfolio and turn your ideas into competitive advantages.
Protect Your Intellectual Property
The protection of your copyrights and other intellectual property can be crucial to the success of your business. So, take the time to evaluate your IP portfolio and work with Cook Alex to ensure your ideas and innovations remain protected.
Contact Cook Alex Today!
Ready to work with the best copyright lawyer in Chicago and Naperville?
Call (312) 236-8500 to speak with a copyright expert. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your intellectual property needs in more detail. Or reach out online by filling out the form found on this page, and we will contact you as soon as possible.