INTRODUCTION: Rights in intellectual property can be transferred by sale, i.e., “assignment” or by granting a limited interest, e.g., a “license” or “licensing”. See my article on assignments. To use the analogy of land, title or ownership can be conveyed in land via a written deed recorded with the appropriate government agency. Similarly, a limited right to use or…
copyright
How to Register a Copyright for Software
Introduction Copyright protection attaches to original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression now known or later developed, from which they can be perceived, reproduced or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. 17 U.S.C. §102. Software is a work of authorship. It is classified as a literary work…
Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights
Introduction The following is a brief summary of each tool for protecting intellectual property (IP). The tools discussed are Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights. Patents Patents protect an idea (invention) that is embodied in a device or method. This is different from Copyright and Trademarks. The vast majority of patents are “utility patents”. There are also plant patents…
COPYRIGHT PROTECTION
The following links contain information on obtaining a copyright and related issues. Copyright Protection The Digital Millennium Copyright Act Digital Signatures Digital Signatures (Update) Copyright Registration (Worth reading) Added Copyright Protection VARA
ADDED COPYRIGHT PROTECTION FOR VISUAL ARTS
The copyright act provides creates an additional bundle of rights to the author of a “work of visual art”. The Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA). First, the protection only applies to a narrowly defined group, i.e., a painting, drawing, print or sculpture existing as a single work or in a limited edition of no more…
COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION
(This is worth reading) In my note entitled Copyright Protection I have described copyright as the weakest form of protection for intellectual property rights. However, when in doubt, in pays to register your copyright. It is a relatively easy and inexpensive process. It can now be done on line with a credit card or payment…
DIGITAL SIGNATURES AND THE INTERNET (UPDATE)
Congress passed the “Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act” in June 2000. The text of the law is found at 15 United States Code (USC), Section 7001 et seq. This “Electronic Signatures Act” became effective October 1, 2000, but with several important provisions delayed until March 1, 2001 and June 1, 2001. See…
DIGITAL SIGNATURES AND THE INTERNET
Obviously, more and more communication is being conducted via the Internet or e-mail. Both business and consumer transactions are involved. Items of substantial monetary value are purchased and shipped by agreement and direction established and documented solely in an electronic form. In addition, instructions are issued that can have substantial economic consequences. Examples include directions…
COPYRIGHTS
Copyright protection is, perhaps, the weakest of the protections granted to intellectual property. A copyright protects an expression of an idea, but not the underlying idea. For example, a story about a boy and his dog can be copyrighted. However the copyright does not give the copyright owner any rights in dogs and boys. It…