Lowry Blixseth APC advises on obtaining and enforcing copyright rights. We help U.S. and international clients address legal questions about creative work. Explore the guides below and contact the firm to discuss your work, your objectives, and the scope of assistance you need.
What does copyright protect?
Copyright protects original human-authored expression fixed in a sufficiently permanent form, including writing, photographs, artwork, music, films, and computer code. It can protect published and unpublished works. It does not protect an idea, a business method, or facts by themselves.
The rights involved depend on the work and may include reproduction, adaptation, distribution, public performance, and public display. These rights are subject to limitations and exceptions, including fair use. Owning a copy of a work is different from owning the copyright.
Find guidance for your copyright question
Copyright registration: understand filing choices, publication information, and why timing matters.
Infringement and enforcement: prepare to discuss suspected copying or a demand made against you.
Ownership and licensing: distinguish creator rights, commissioned work, assignments, and permission to use content.
DMCA takedowns and counter-notices: understand procedures for disputed online material.
Copyright FAQs: get answers about online images, attribution, fair use, registration, and trademark differences.
Does copyright protection require registration?
Protection generally begins when qualifying expression is created and fixed. Registration is a separate process with the U.S. Copyright Office. For U.S. works, registration or refusal generally must occur before an infringement suit can proceed, subject to statutory exceptions. Timely registration can also affect the remedies available. Read the registration guide before assuming a filing can wait until a dispute develops.
Discuss your work with an attorney
Bring a copy of the work, the names of its creators, any agreements, relevant publication dates, and existing registration records. For a dispute, include the challenged material, correspondence, and any deadline. Tell us whether your goal is a registration, permission to use content, a business agreement, or a response to copying.
Learn about Scott M. Lowry and our intellectual property litigation practice. For brand names and source identifiers, see our trademark services.
Discuss your copyright question
Contact Lowry Blixseth APC in Agoura Hills or call 818.584.6460. Bring the work, relevant agreements, registration records, and any notice or deadline.