Copyright
Intellectual Property and Technology | CopyrightOur Copyright practice helps clients protect and enforce rights in creative works including software, literary works, music, visual arts, and digital content through registration, licensing, and litigation.
Overview
Protecting Creative Works and Digital Content
Copyright law provides essential protection for creative expression across all media. MC Law's Copyright practice helps clients secure, manage, and enforce copyright protection for the full range of copyrightable works, from traditional literary and artistic works to software, databases, and digital content.
Copyright Registration and Protection
Strategic copyright registration strengthens enforcement options and creates valuable legal presumptions. We advise clients on registration strategies, prepare and file applications with the Copyright Office, and manage copyright portfolios.
Software and Digital Content
Software copyright presents unique challenges at the intersection of copyright and technology law. We advise on copyright protection for source code, object code, user interfaces, and databases.
Copyright Licensing
Effective licensing monetizes creative works while preserving rights. We structure and negotiate publishing agreements, software licenses, content distribution deals, synchronization licenses, and digital rights arrangements.
Enforcement and Litigation
When infringement occurs, we pursue remedies aggressively. Our litigators handle copyright infringement claims in federal court, seeking injunctions, actual and statutory damages, and attorneys' fees.
Our Services
intellectual_property_and_technology
Federal registration and validity opinions
trademark
Federal registration and validity opinions
copyright_litigation
Federal registration and validity opinions
information_technology
Federal registration and validity opinions
internet
Federal registration and validity opinions
Licensing & Transactions
Negotiate and draft license agreements
DMCA Services
Takedown notices and counter-notices
Enforcement
Cease and desist through litigation
Fair Use Analysis
Evaluate fair use defenses and risks
Music & Entertainment
Industry-specific copyright matters
Frequently Asked Questions
Copyright protects original works of authorship fixed in tangible form, including literary works, software, music, visual arts, and audiovisual content. It does not protect ideas, facts, or functional elements.
For works created today, copyright lasts for the author's life plus 70 years. Works made for hire and anonymous works have 95-year terms from publication or 120 years from creation.
No, copyright arises automatically upon creation. However, registration is required to sue for infringement and enables statutory damages and attorneys' fees.
Fair use permits limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. It's determined case-by-case based on four statutory factors.
Yes, software source code and object code are protected as literary works. However, copyright doesn't protect underlying ideas, algorithms, or functional elements—only the particular expression.
Options include cease and desist demands, DMCA takedown notices for online infringement, and federal court litigation seeking injunctions, damages, and attorneys' fees.
Fair use is a defense that permits limited use of copyrighted material without permission. Courts consider four factors: the purpose and character of use (commercial vs. educational, transformative vs. copying), the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used, and the effect on the market. Fair use is highly fact-specific.
For works created today by individual authors, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. Works made for hire and anonymous/pseudonymous works are protected for 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter. Older works may have different terms.
Yes, software code is protected by copyright as a literary work. Both source code and object code can be registered. However, copyright protects the expression of ideas, not the underlying functionality—patent protection may be more appropriate for novel methods and processes implemented in software.
Our virtual legal services offer streamlined, cost-effective solutions for common copyright needs. Services like copyright registration, assignment agreements, and DMCA takedowns are available online with fixed, transparent pricing. You get the quality of a top IP firm with the convenience of digital delivery.
Related Matters
Represented streaming platform in landmark DMCA safe harbor case. Successfully defended client's safe harbor status while obtaining injunctive relief against repeat infringers, resulting in dismissal of $500M damages claim.
Prosecuted copyright infringement claims on behalf of professional photographers whose work was used without authorization. Secured significant damages award and implementation of improved licensing procedures.
Enforced copyright and trade dress rights in mobile game against clone applications. Obtained preliminary injunction and permanent removal of infringing apps from major app stores worldwide.
Cutting-edge case addressing use of copyrighted music in AI training datasets. Negotiated comprehensive licensing framework that allows continued AI development while protecting rightsholders' interests.
Prosecuted claims against former executive who copied proprietary source code to competitor. Established ownership under work-for-hire doctrine and obtained injunction plus damages for willful infringement.
Represented academic publisher in enforcement action against site hosting pirated textbooks. Implemented systematic takedown program and pursued contributory infringement claims against operators.
Get in Touch
Connect with our copyright team to discuss your matter
Practice Contacts
Michael Roberts
Sarah Kim
