Charlottesville Copyright Attorney
As a business owner or author, you may consider a Charlottesville copyright attorney for guidance in protecting your property. Intellectual property is critical to preserve, and the process to do so can be cumbersome and may require the assistance that Dale Jensen, PLC can provide you with. We know when considering intellectual property and copyrights, in particular, you may be confused and even overwhelmed with what the process entails. We have taken the time to carefully answer the many questions you have regarding intellectual property and the process for copyrighting.
What is intellectual property law?
Intellectual property is a creation that encompasses copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, and more. These are often inventions of the mind that require protection to prevent them from being reproduced or used without the creator’s permission. Intellectual property law aims to protect inventors, writers, designers, and creators from having their creations misused or taken. An intellectual property lawyer provides counsel, can assist in protecting IP, and help take action should a person or entity infringe upon another’s intellectual property.
How do I know if I have intellectual property that needs to be protected?
You may be unsure whether you even have intellectual property that requires protection. This can be incredibly detrimental as failing to protect your property can result in someone else taking and using your ideas for profit or worse, beating you to the punch by protecting an idea before you are able to. The last thing you will want is to lose your creative works because you have failed to protect it. If you are building a brand, own a blog, or have an idea or invention, chances are it’s in your best interest to meet with an ip attorney in Charlottesville, VA, for help.
What is a copyright?
When someone authors something, they may have intellectual property that needs protection. Types of copyright can include a song, literary work, software, or movie. A copyright not only prevents someone from plagiarizing your idea but also may require that they use your work or reproduce it without your consent to do so. An author or creator of a body of work should have the right to protect it from others. While you can undoubtedly provide exclusive rights to share it from the public, as the owner, you have the say-so over how that work is shared.
Does a copyright need to be federally registered?
There is an application process to register a copyright in the U.S officially. In most cases, acquiring a copyright is relatively straightforward and can be obtained rather quickly. However, in some situations that are more complicated in nature, the process may be more cumbersome, and a lawyer will be able to help.
When do I need a lawyer for a copyright?
In some cases, you may be able to acquire a copyright without a lawyer’s assistance, although you may want to. A lawyer can advise you throughout the process and ensure that you are taking the proper steps to move forward. In some cases, you may want to obtain their counsel for guidance in pursuing the process. In situations where your copyrighted work has been used without your knowledge or permission, you may need help managing infringement issues. Your next course of action may be to file a lawsuit against someone who has missed your work or taken it for their gain.
Learn more about Dale Jensen, PLC, and how our Charlottesville, Virginia copyright attorney can help by scheduling an appointment with our team today.