Copyrights

Securing Your Rights to Artistic Works

Copyright law was established to protect a wide variety of original works of authorship, including but not limited to:

  • Musical compositions and lyrics
  • Literary works such as books, articles or poetry
  • Architectural works
  • Choreographic works
  • Motion pictures
  • Sculptures
  • Paintings
  • Computer software

Copyrights protect the author of the original work against another person or entity copying his or her work. The length of the copyright can vary depending on when the work was originally created. Currently, a work is protected for the lifetime of the author plus an additional 70 years or 95 years from creation if created as a work for hire for a corporation or other legal entity.

Obtaining a Copyright Registration

At Livingston Loeffler, we represent clients throughout Florida and across the country from our offices in Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota. Our copyright attorneys take the time to help you understand copyright law and the advantages of obtaining a copyright registration for your work.

Applying for and obtaining a copyright registration creates a public record of a work. In addition, there are many benefits of obtaining a copyright registration. One being that it is a prerequisite for filing a lawsuit against an infringing party. More importantly, a registration allows the owner of a copyright to seek statutory damages and attorneys' fees if the registration is successfully enforced against an infringing party. However, the law punishes those who fail to file copyright applications within certain time periods. Therefore, it is important to seek the advice of a copyright attorney as soon as possible after a work is created to ensure that you do not lose any rights by failing to file a copyright application in a timely manner

For more information about copyrights, please read our newsletter, Express Yourself and Protect Yourself.

Schedule a Consultation with a Copyright Attorney

Contact our offices today to discuss your questions with a lawyer. Call 239-262-8502 to reach us in Naples and Fort Myers, 941-309-5314 to reach us in Sarasota, 1-800-548-4332 to reach us nationwide or send us an e-mail.

We assist clients nationwide, throughout the state of Florida and Southwest Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota and surrounding communities.