Where Ingenuity Thrives®

Copyright law crucial toward creative expression protection

On Behalf of | Dec 5, 2017 | Uncategorized

If you create an artistic piece of work in Missouri or Kansas, such as song lyrics, sheet music, a screenplay, etc., there are typically several ways to ensure the no one uses your work without permission in order to seek financial gain for themselves. Copyright law is a complex area of the law, but it is also the basic means for protecting your creative expressions. In fact, properly implemented, a copyright can protect your work decades after you die.

Many people mistakenly believe their copyrights must be officially registered. This is not true. However, it’s always a good idea to go ahead and register because registration would be necessary if you were ever to pursue legal enforceability of your copyright.

Music and stage work are not the only types of artistic expressions protected by copyrights. Let’s say you create computer program or are an architect who designs a new structure. These are other examples of creative works that can be protected through copyright law. It would not be the designs themselves that are protected but the manner in which such expressions are articulated or shared.

If you believe someone has breached copyright law by infringing upon your rights, you may want to discuss the matter with an experienced attorney who is well versed in the legalities of intellectual property issues. Hovey Williams LLP is fully prepared to assist any creative artist who wishes to pursue legal enforcement of a copyright in this state. Whether you wish to register for a copyright or litigate a particular issue, we can help you determine your most viable options for obtaining the most positive results.

FindLaw Network