Copyright Lawyer in Brooklyn

Protecting Your Brand’s Intellectual Property from Start to Finish

When people think of copyrights, it’s novels and films that typically come to mind. However, there are many other creative works that qualify for such protections. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding what protections these works have and how owners can assert them. If you have any questions or are facing legal issues regarding this intellectual property type, a copyright lawyer in Brooklyn may be able to help.

At The Law Office of Vincent Miletti, our intellectual property legal professionals have spent years helping clients handle a variety of copyright law issues. From registration to litigation — and everything in between — we can help you navigate this complex landscape. Don’t leave your creative works unprotected by making simple mistakes or not fully understanding your rights. Contact our Brooklyn copyright attorney today for a free initial strategy session.

Do You Need to Register a Copyright to Protect Your Works?

If you’ve researched copyrighting a work you’ve created, you may have heard that registration is voluntary. You might have been told that your works are copyrighted the moment they’re placed into a tangible medium (e.g., book, online blog, film, sculpture, etc.). Both of these are true. However, you will not be able to sue over infringement unless you register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office.

In fact, it’s not even enough to simply submit your application. The Copyright Office must actually issue your registration prior to you suing in court. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have no legal remedies available. And even if your works aren’t registered when infringement occurs, you can still sue after your works are registered. A Brooklyn copyright attorney can help you understand these nuances.

What Are the Benefits of Copyright Registration?

Being able to sue in a court of law is a significant benefit of copyright registration. However, there are also a variety of other advantages to taking this step. While it does cost money to register, this route is worth the investment. Just consider each of the following outcomes that registration creates:

• Deterrent: When potential infringers see that your copyright is registered, they’ll know you’re ready to protect your intellectual property. This can serve as a deterrent.
• Prima facie evidence: Registration with the Copyright Office meets evidentiary standards in court that you’re the owner of a work.
• Import protection: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency can prevent copies of infringing works from entering the country.
• Additional damages: Those with a copyright registration may be entitled to statutory damages and attorney fees.

Each of these benefits may serve as reason enough to seek federal registration. However, it’s important to note that some of these are time-contingent. For instance, you must register your work within three months of its creation to be eligible for statutory damages. These are obviously complex issues, so don’t hesitate to contact our copyright lawyer in Brooklyn for advice today.

Do You Need an Attorney to File for Copyright Protection?

Many people question whether they need legal representation during the copyright process. After all, you can go online right now and submit a copyright registration. Additionally, there’s nothing stopping you from filing a federal lawsuit to seek an injunction or damages for infringement. However, these are all complicated legal matters. Even the simplest of mistakes can quickly turn costly.

For instance, what if you make an error in your original application that extends how long it takes to receive registration? What if this pushes you past one of the important time constraints mentioned earlier? More importantly, do you know how to properly word a cease and desist letter — or what’s required to file copyright infringement litigation? This is an area where mistakes can be very costly.

Don’t risk your creative works. Contact our Brooklyn copyright lawyer today.

Contact a Copyright Lawyer in Brooklyn Today

When you create an original work of authorship, you’ve essentially gained copyright instantaneously. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t enough to ensure your works are not misused. Registering with the U.S. Copyright Office is an important step, but it’s not necessarily the end of the process. Protecting your work is a continuous process. Unfortunately, you could also face claims of infringement yourself. In any of these instances, seeking legal advice is ideal.

At The Law Office of Vincent Miletti, Esq., our team of legal professionals will work diligently to help you secure a positive outcome. Perhaps this means ensuring your application is free of errors, or maybe you’re already in a situation where litigation seems likely. Regardless of your specific circumstances, our copyright lawyer in Brooklyn may be able to help. Call us today at 314-648-2586 to book a free consultation with our team. Allow us to advocate on your behalf.