Copyrights

Protecting and enforcing rights in copyrightable works and design patent subject matter are key aspects of our IP services. We have vast experience in these fields, regularly assisting clients in securing US design patents and foreign design registrations, global copyright privileges and ownership of copyright assets, including assignments from third parties and independent contractors, dealing with employee issues, authorship and joint authorship matters, idea submission and work for hire issues. We provide strategic advice regarding licensing copyrighted and patented works, entertainment properties and software, including counseling clients on open source issues. We also counsel clients on enforcing and defending copyrights and design patents in federal court litigation and appeals throughout the country.  We also coordinate with foreign attorneys to enforce rights and defend claims internationally.

Our broad expertise reflects the diverse nature of copyrightable works and design rights. From architectural works, software, toys, works of art, music, screenplays and entertainment properties to websites, marketing materials and industrial designs, we protect and enforce our clients’ copyrights and design rights.  We obtain protection both in the U.S. and internationally.  In the U.S. this includes registering our clients’ rights with the U.S. Copyright Office, preparing and filing design patents with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, issuing cease and desist letters and vigorously litigating on our clients’ behalf. We work with attorneys in foreign countries to register copyrights and design rights in those countries, record rights with U.S. and foreign customs agencies and litigate infringement actions. We also have experience conducting due diligence reviews and counseling for acquisitions of copyrighted works and entertainment properties, as well as design rights.

We are recognized leaders in the rapidly evolving and changing fields of online copyrights and social networking, counseling our clients regarding copyright enforcement and piracy issues and social media issues, as well as matters under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), including filing and responding to take-down notices, establishing online enforcement strategies and policies, and compliance with the DMCA’s safe harbor provisions.