Attorneys

Intellectual Property FAQs

• Q: Can I Copyright The Name Of My Band?
  A: No. Copyright law does not protect names. Some names may be protected under trademark law. Contact the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (http://www.uspto.gov/), (800) … More
• Q: How Do I Copyright A Name, Title, Slogan Or Logo?
  A: Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. In some cases, these things may be protected as trademarks. Contact the U.S. Patent & Trademark … More
• Q: How Do I Protect My Idea?
  A: Copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, systems, or methods of doing something. You may express your ideas in writing or drawings and claim copyright in your … More
• Q: What Is A Copyright Notice? How Do I Put A Copyright Notice On My Work?
  A: A copyright notice is an identifier placed on copies of the work to inform the world of copyright ownership. While use of a copyright notice was once required as a … More
• Q: Who Is An Author?
  A: Under the copyright law, the creator of the original expression in a work is its author. The author is also the owner of copyright unless there is a written agreement … More
• Q: Do I Have To Use My Real Name On The Form? Can I Use A Stage Name Or A Pen Name?
  A: There is no legal requirement that the author be identified by his or her real name on the application form. If filing under a fictitious name, check the Pseudonymous … More
• Q: What Is Publication?
  A: Publication has a technical meaning in copyright law. According to the statute, Publication is the distribution of copies or phonorecords of a work to the public by … More
• Q: Does My Work Have To Be Published To Be Protected?
  A: Publication is not necessary for copyright protection.
• Q: How Do I Get My Work Published?
  A: Publication occurs at the discretion and initiative of the copyright owner. The Copyright Office has no role in the publication process.
• Q: How Much Of Someone Else's Work Can I Use Without Getting Permission?
  A: Under the fair use doctrine of the U.S. copyright statute, it is permissible to use limited portions of a work including quotes, for purposes such as commentary, … More
• Q: How Much Do I Have To Change In My Own Work To Make A New Claim Of Copyright?
  A: You may make a new claim in your work if the changes are substantial and creative­something more than just editorial changes or minor changes. This would qualify … More