Maximizing Enforceability of Your Works
Creative works, such as writings, music, movies, two- and three-dimensional works of art and software are protected under the copyright laws of the United States. As a result of significant changes in the copyright laws which took place with the enhancement of the Copyright Act of 1976 and the Berne Convention Implementation Act of 1988, it is no longer necessary to register a work with the Copyright Office to obtain copyright in a creative work. Today, copyright exists from the moment that a work is placed in a tangible medium of expression. Registration of copyrights is still important, however, since the copyright laws still provide important rights, such as the availability of statutory damages and attorneys’ fees for those who register their copyrights prior to infringement by another.
The Attorneys of MOCC
With respect to copyrightable works, members of the firm counsel clients on the advisability of seeking registration of the copyright in the work, the advisability of applying the copyright notice to works and the important timing issues involved in registering the copyright with the Copyright Office.
Further, attorneys of MOCC counsel clients on the complex issues of copyright infringement, made even more complex with the advent of the Internet. The firm directs its clients not only in the proper protection of their own copyrighted works, but helps clients avoid potential copyright conflicts when contemplating their rights with respect to another copyright owner.
Call us today for a no obligation initial consultation with the copyright specialists of Morriss O’Bryant Compagni Cannon.