If you’re a writer, artist, musician, or otherwise have any other claim to stake in creative works, it’s in your best interest to consider getting a copyright on your intellectual property. Copyrights are especially pertinent if you are planning on making your work public. Whether it’s the entire piece of work or just a snippet (like one chapter of a novel or one song off of an album), a copyright is essential to legally protect you from having your work stolen. If you’re in the process of collaborating with others on a creative project, it might also be wise to seek a copyright registration for your part of the ideas. This will prevent your ideas or work from being stolen or used without your permission outside of the project, or if you decide to withdraw from the project for whatever reason.
What is Intellectual Property?
The best way to describe intellectual property is exactly as it sounds: it’s the creative property of your mind, whether that property comes in the form of your art, writing, inventions, or various other personal creations. Copyright protection is essential if you’re the creator of artistic, literary, or musical works, and if you’re a beginner when it comes to navigating the ins and outs of copyright, you’ll want to consult an Intellectual Property Attorney in San Diego.
Clear Evidence of Ownership
With a copyright on your work, your ownership will be searchable by the public. Your registered copyright will protect you against others claiming authorship of or infringing upon your work, and will push legal battles over copyright infringement far into your favor.
Lawsuits and Damages
By holding a copyright over your work, you’ll be able to bring a lawsuit with an intellectual property attorney if someone steals or plagiarizes your work. Due to your copyright, you’ll also have a chance of being awarded the greatest possible amount of damages for the infringement.
Register Early
An attorney can give you expert advice and answer all of your questions regarding copyright, but one thing is for sure: it’s best to register copyright of your intellectual property as early as possible. That way, you’ll have full protection from the get go when it comes to infringement upon your work.
If you’ve completed work on a piece of intellectual property and are ready to begin the registration process for your work, it’s best to contact an attorney. If you’re in the San Diego, an intellectual property attorney at Jaquez Land Greenhaus LLP can walk you through the copyright process and answer questions you may have. Don’t wait when it comes to protecting your creative works.
