Copyright Services
- Copyright Registration
- DMCA Takedown Claims
- DMCA Counterclaims
- Art Asset Review
- Licensing Agreements
- Infringement Risk Assessment
- Cease and Desist Letters
- Stock Image License Review
What is a Copyright?
Copyright is a legal protection that gives the creator of an original work the exclusive right to use and distribute that work. In general, any original work that is fixed in a tangible medium of expression can be eligible for copyright protection.
Types of literary works that can be eligible for copyright protection:
- Novels, short stories, and poems
- Dramatic works, such as plays, screenplays, and scripts
- Essays, articles, and non-fiction works
- Speeches, lectures, and presentations
- Song lyrics and musical compositions
- Computer programs and software documentation
- Instruction manuals and technical documentation
- Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and reference works
- Children's books and coloring books
- Comics and graphic novels
Most original pictorial or visual works can be copyrighted. Here are some examples:
- Paintings
- Drawings
- Illustrations
- Prints, lithographs, or etchings
- Photographs, including digital photographs
- Maps and charts, such as geological maps or nautical charts
- Infographics and data visualizations
- Advertising materials, such as posters or billboards
- Logos and other graphic designs, such as those used for branding or packaging. (Please note this is not the same legal protection and process as registering a logo as a trademark.)
It is important to note that copyright protection for pictorial works extends to both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, as well as to the digital images of these works.
Types of audiovisual works that can be copyrighted:
- Feature films and documentaries
- Television shows
- Music videos
- Video games and gaming content, such as Let's Play videos or esports broadcasts
- Educational and instructional videos
- Commercials and advertisements, including both television and online ads
- Corporate and training videos, such as those used for employee onboarding or product demonstrations
- Live event recordings, such as concerts or sports events
- Motion graphics and animations, such as those used for title sequences or explainer videos
- User-generated content (UGC)
Copyright protection for audiovisual works can extend to both the video and audio components of the work, as well as any accompanying scripts, storyboards, or other supporting materials.
Computer programs and software that can be protected by copyright include:
- Video & Computer Games, such as Minecraft and Fortnite
- Mobile apps, such as Instagram and TikTok
- Web applications and software, such as WordPress and Shopify
- Database software, such as Microsoft Access and Oracle
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning software, such as ChatGPT
- Operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Productivity software, such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
- Video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro
Copyright protection for software can extend to both the code and the graphical user interface (GUI) of the program, as well as any accompanying documentation or manuals.
Musical works that can be protected by copyrighted include:
- A song with both music and lyrics, such as "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
- An instrumental piece, such as "The Four Seasons" by Antonio Vivaldi
- A jingle or commercial tune, such as the "I'm Lovin' It" jingle used by McDonald's
- A film score, such as the music composed by John Williams for the "Star Wars" films
- A sound recording of a musical performance, such as a live concert or studio recording.
- Choreographic works, including both traditional and modern dance routines
- Architectural works, including both buildings and other structures
- Original compilations of information, such as databases, directories, and other reference works
Modern Copyright Services
Millions of pieces of content are shared online every day, making copyright issues rampant.
While many law firms know the law, few have the first-hand experience to help clients avoid or deal with copyright infringement. For online sellers, a single DMCA claim can result in significant income loss, making professional guidance more necessary than ever before.
That’s where BuzzLaw comes in. With over 15 years of experience in media, art, and design, our founder provides clients with a unique and protective edge to safeguard their intellectual property.
Launch your creative project or business with confidence! BuzzLaw can help you reduce the risk of copyright infringement. Just send us your WIP or already-launched product and we'll examine every detail to make sure no element puts you in danger of legal trouble. Don't wait for costly legal issues to arise, book a call with BuzzLaw today and ensure your creative project is on the right track.
If you have an Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify store, chances are you're familiar with the dreaded "DMCA Takedown" notices. Have an attorney review each one of your designs, providing color-coded feedback on the risk of infringement. If any items need to be updated, we'll be happy to review the new designs!
Managing your copyright portfolio can be a daunting task, but it is crucial for the success and protection of your creative business. At BuzzLaw, we provide comprehensive copyright portfolio management services to help you protect and manage your intellectual property.
DMCA Services
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a U.S. copyright law that provides a framework for addressing copyright infringement online.
While it may seem straightforward, navigating DMCA issues can be quite complex. Many of our clients, including artists and online sellers, trust BuzzLaw’s expertise and experience in this area.
Copyright holders can send DMCA takedown notices to websites or online service providers to request the removal of infringing content. The recipient of the takedown notice is required to remove the content or risk liability for copyright infringement.
The DMCA provides safe harbor protections for online service providers that comply with certain requirements, such as responding to takedown notices promptly. However, failure to comply with the requirements can result in liability for copyright infringement.
Online service providers must have a repeat infringer policy in place to terminate the accounts of users who repeatedly infringe on the copyrights of others.
