As an artist, you know it's going to be hard to protect your work. It doesn't take more than a few minutes for someone to grab a screenshot of your art, enhance it and sell it on their own T-shirts or products.
How did copyrights develop in the U.S.?
The history of copyright is an interesting thing. It started as long ago as the 1700s, with the first copyright law enacted in America in 1790. Before splitting off from Britain, a similar law, the Statute of Anne, was used. The United States based its first copyright law on this statute, determining that it would protect maps, charts and books for 14 years after their registrations and another 14 after that. It was a limited law that worked at the time.
Copyright laws when it comes to music and entertainment
Music is not free -- even when it is used only for background music in an office or a restaurant. Many people are not aware that they are infringing upon California copyright laws any time they play a musician's or author's music in a public place. That is why so many restaurant and bar owners are surprised when they receive a letter or call informing them that they owe fees for copyright infringement.
Cat wins copyright suit with huge payout
Imagine if your pet could bring in a steady paycheck for you, let alone a $710,000 lump sum payout, just for looking grumpy! Well, that is just what one "grumpy-looking" cat named Tardar Sauce has going for it.
Music infringement cases that helped advance copyright law
When you look back at the history of music, it is easy to see patterns in which artists borrowed heavily from other creative musical minds. At one time, not much happened to prevent or dissuade this practice, but about 50 years ago, artists began to take a more serious stance against plagiarism.
What are the different notices of copyright?
Copyright law is both simple and complex at the same time. It is simple because intellectual creations automatically receive legal protection. It is complex because unscrupulous people can take your work and claim it as their own anyway.
Understanding fair use under copyright law
To a layperson that owns intellectual property or operates a business in California, copyright law seems extremely complex. These people want to protect their intellectual property, but often have a poor understanding of the ins and outs of copyright law and the fair use doctrine. The laws surrounding intellectual property do help protect ideas, products and processes, but that does not necessarily mean that no one can use your property.
Mobile game company targeted in copyright infringement suit
Recently, Riot, a major gaming software company with offices around the globe targeted another game developer in a California lawsuit. Riot alleges that Shanghai Moonton, the creator of Mobile Legends, engaged in copyright infringement when developing the game. According to reports, Mobile Legends is strikingly similar to Riot's game, League of Legends.
Journalist files copyright lawsuit targeting Tupac Shakur biopic
About 20 years ago, rapper, activist and actor Tupac Shakur took the world by storm with his unique and honest style of rap. Unfortunately, he blew out of this world as dramatically as he blew into it when he was gunned down in 1996. His legacy, however, has survived and in the eyes of many, it has even thrived.
Comedian claims Conan O'Brien co-opted his quips
Alex K. has been a comedy writer for at least 20 years. Jay Leno has used thousands of his jokes. You may not have heard Alex's name, but he's still in the game. He blogs about humor and sometimes posts dozens of pithy, topical jokes at a time.
