Copyright Law That Every Business Owner Should Know

Business owners who are not in traditional intellectual property fields often overlook the assets they produce on the assumption they can’t exploit the rights they acquire in their day to day operations. This is one among many reasons a consultation with a qualified copyright lawyer Suffolk County and Nassau County is so vital. In fact, the sooner the meeting can take place the better. There are several reasons why having an IP strategy in place will not only add to the value of your company but potentially unlock new, low-cost sources of revenue. Here are a few things to consider.

What Is The Common Law Copyright

Under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, once a work is “fixed in a tangible form,” it receives copyright protection. Works must be registered with the Library of Congress to empower the owner to recover damages in the event of infringement, but that doesn’t change the fact works are protected from inception. This may sound like it has limited application in the average business until management realizes all their documentation, including instructions, business plans, drawings, technical writing and all other written, recorded, photographed or publicly performed works comprise “properties” of the company. Some may even be marketable to customers or other businesses.

Finding these valuable assets is something a savvy copyright attorney excels at.

When Copyrights Evolve – Things You Should Know

Many business owners insist on logos, catchy names, and branding for their companies, products, and even individual advertising campaigns, yet they don’t take advantage of their trademark rights. Under the Lanham Act, which is the law that governs trademark in the United States, any mark can be claimed as a defensible trademark the moment it is first used in commerce. That is why you sometimes see a little “TM” next to a mark instead of the “circle R” indicating registration.

Trademarks are often tightly connected to copyright, and one can occasionally evolve into the other. The best example is a character name. Superman, for example, is a trademark of DC Comics. So is the title logo and so is the character itself. Superman started out as one element of a copyrighted work but became a trademark when it became successful.

Learn With The Experts, consult Radow Law Group For All Your Queries On Business Law

Knowing the difference between a copyright and trademark and recognizing when one can become the other is something a copyright lawyer in Nassau County and Suffolk County can help a forward-thinking business accomplish.

Managers, entrepreneurs and even employees should be apprised of the priority intellectual property represents and help advance the business by making sure their works are protected. Every company should have a copyright policy and should coordinate their efforts and knowledge with legal professionals like those at Radow Law Group. That is one of the best ways to maximize the value of an enterprise. Radow Law Group is a well-established law firm backed by expert lawyers who hold expertise in handling business matters of a vast variety.

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