Copyright Law Attorneys

Protecting your copyrights is essential after all the creative effort put into drafting, developing, and perfecting ideas. The last thing you want is to see someone else using your work without permission for their own profits. Thankfully, we can help prevent that, protecting your copyright and allowing you to maintain control.

Intellectual property assets are essential for a company’s success, with copyright registration, copyright protection, and preventing copyright infringement playing crucial roles. Securing your company’s innovations, work products, literature, software, and designs through proper copyright registration and protection is vital for maintaining profitability business and a healthy competitive edge. Failure to protect your IP copyrights can lead to significant damage to your business’s reputation, lost profits and market shrinkage. Ensure your intellectual property is safeguarded by focusing on robust copyright protection, effective copyright registration, and promptly addressing copyright infringement through cease & desist letter and, if necessary, copyright litigation.


Safeguarding Your Copyrights


At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, our expert attorneys are dedicated to safeguarding your U.S. and international copyrights. With extensive experience in copyright law, we provide comprehensive protection for your intellectual property, ensuring your creative works are secure. Whether you're an author, artist, software developer, or business owner, our Dallas-based firm offers personalized legal services to help you navigate the complexities of copyright registration, infringement disputes, and licensing agreements. Trust Wilson Whitaker Rynell to protect your valuable intellectual property and maintain your rights in the competitive global market. Contact us today to secure your copyrights effectively.

What is a Copyright?

A copyright is an ownership right that automatically vests when you create an original work of authorship, such as a literary work, song, movie, or software. Your ownership rights include the right to reproduce the work, prepare derivative works, distribute copies, and perform and display the work publicly. Our software protection and copyright law attorneys can assist you with any facet of your copyright needs. Examples of copyrightable works include the following:

 

  • Literary works
  • Musical works, including any accompanying words
  • Dramatic works, including any accompanying music
  • Pantomimes and choreographic works
  • Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
  • Motion pictures and other audiovisual works
  • Sound recordings, which are works that result from the fixation of a series of musical, spoken, or other sounds
  • Architectural works

 

Wilson Whitaker Rynell: Providing World-Class Copyright Legal Counsel


At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, we are your ideal partner for securing and safeguarding your valuable copyrights.  Whether you're introducing groundbreaking innovations, capitalizing on IP assets, or expanding your copyright portfolio, our expert team provides the informed and strategic representation you need. We are dedicated to protecting your Copyright IP rights and driving your business success. With Wilson Whitaker Rynell, you gain a trusted copyright attorney and ally committed to helping you navigate the complexities of intellectual property law and achieve your business goals in a competitive national and global landscape.


LEGAL HELP FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS SEEKING COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

Intellectual Property Is Your Business's Most Important Asset


At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, our expert copyright attorneys can help your company navigate the intellectual property field and address the constant challenges to your copyrights posed by competitors and infringers. Our copyright lawyers specialize in keeping businesses informed about the latest developments in copyright law and ensuring compliance with IP regulations. If your company needs a copyright registration, copyright license, or is looking to file a copyright infringement lawsuit, our experienced Dallas-Fort Worth area copyright attorneys are ready to assist you. We work diligently to protect your copyrights and negotiate favorable resolutions with copyright holders, safeguarding your interests and minimizing legal risks.


Below is additional information and links related to copyright and intellectual property that our firm can assist with:

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Frequently Asked Questions


Enhancing Your Copyright Protection with Proper Registration

A copyright owner can significantly enhance the protection afforded by copyright by filing that copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office. Once the U.S. Copyright Office has notified you that your work is registered, you should begin properly marking your creative works to put third parties on notice of your copyright registration. A copyright notice should contain the following:


  • The word "Copyright"
  • A "C" in a circle (©)
  • Date of publication
  • The author/owner name of all copyrights in the work


For example, a copyright notice for a novel could be: "The History of Mark Twain by Joseph Bates, Copyright © 2019 by Joseph Bates."  Its important to protect your intellectual property by ensuring proper copyright registration and marking. Our expert copyright attorneys can guide you through the registration process and help you secure your creative works effectively.


Understanding Non-Copyrightable Works

Not all types of works are copyrightable. For instance, the U.S. Copyright Office will not register works produced by a machine or mechanical process that operates randomly or automatically without any creative input or intervention from a human author. This includes x-rays, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging, or other diagnostic equipment. Other examples of non-copyrightable works are:


  • Ideas, procedures, methods, systems, processes, concepts, principles, or discoveries
  • Works not fixed in a tangible form (such as an unwritten or unrecorded choreographic work or improvisational speech)
  • Titles, names, short phrases, and slogans
  • Familiar symbols or designs
  • Mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering, or coloring
  • Mere listings of ingredients or contents


Protect your creative works by understanding what qualifies for copyright protection and ensuring proper registration with expert guidance.

 


When Do Copyrights Enter The Public Domain? 

All works published in the United States before 1924 are in the public domain, but works published between 1923 and 1978 enjoy protection for 95 years from the date of first publication. For copyrights created after January 1, 1978, the protection lasts for the lifetime of the author plus an additional 70 years. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the complexities of copyright law, ensuring your creative works are safeguarded and your rights are enforced. Contact us today to secure your intellectual property. Ensure your intellectual property is fully protected with our expert copyright law services.


How Do You Register A Copyright?

An application for copyright registration is a straightforward process and requires three things: (i) a completed application form, (ii) a nonrefundable filing fee, and (iii) a nonreturnable deposit of the work being 'deposited' with the U.S. Copyright Office — that is, a copy or copies of the work being registered and 'deposited' with the Copyright Office. Unless you are allowed to file multiple works in one application, you must submit a separate application, filing fee, and deposit for each work you want to register. For information on how to register a graphic design copyright, see our Requirements to Copyright a Graphic Design web page.


Understanding Software Copyright Registration

Software is a specific type of copyright registration that often requires each new version of a computer program to be deposited with the U.S. Copyright Office. This includes any changes, revisions, additions, or other modifications made by the author. Except in limited circumstances described below, the registration does not cover earlier versions of the same program or preexisting material contained within the source code. In particular, a registration for a specific version of a program does not cover:

  • Previously published source code
  • Previously registered source code
  • Source code owned by third parties
  • Source code in the public domain

Our copyright attorneys can assist you in U.S. Copyright filings and provide guidance on properly securing your software and other copyrights, including literary works, songs, and movies. Protect your intellectual property with expert legal assistance to ensure comprehensive copyright coverage.


ACT NOW TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLE COPYRIGHT ASSETS

Whether you are an individual or a business with valuable intellectual property, safeguarding your assets is crucial for your future success. At Wilson Legal Group P.C., we are committed to developing long-term relationships and supporting you as your business grows and evolves. Our dedicated intellectual property attorneys specialize in copyright registration, copyright protection, and addressing copyright infringement to ensure your assets are secure. Call Wilson Legal Group P.C. today to speak with one of our experienced intellectual property attorneys and protect your copyrights.


TEXAS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ATTORNEYS


A Dedicated Intellectual Property & Copyright Law Firm


Wilson Whitaker Rynell is a Dallas, Texas-based intellectual property law firm serving the high-tech community’s need for the development, protection, and preservation of intellectual property and all rights associated with these valuable assets, both nationally and internationally.


The attorneys at Wilson Whitaker Rynell specialize exclusively in intellectual property issues, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing. We understand the critical importance of developing and securing a robust intellectual property portfolio, which is why we have made this area of law our sole focus. Unlike many attorneys who include intellectual property law as part of a general corporate practice, we offer the specialized focus required to provide the comprehensive knowledge and expertise that only a firm dedicated exclusively to this demanding legal practice area can deliver.


To schedule a free intellectual property consultation, please Contact Us online or call 972-248-8080.

Meet Our Intellectual Property Legal Team

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Copyright Law Blogs

A person is holding a cell phone in front of a book titled artificial intelligence
By John Wilson February 19, 2025
Copyright and Translated Content: Who Owns the Creative Rights? Understanding Copyright Law and Translation Copyright law protects creative work and bestows sole authority over the work upon the creators. For example, the owner of the work of a novel has the right over the work under the concept of the right under the copyright. Courts have found that “the degree of protection afforded by the copyright is measured by what is actually copyrightable in the publication and not by the entire publication.” See, e.g., Dorsey v. Old Sur. Life Ins. Co., 98 F.2d 872, 873 (10th Cir. 1938) (emphasis added). For translations, the situation is not very clear. Translations involve creative judgments over word translation and not the translation of mere words. Hence the knowledge about the applicability of the concept of the right over the work is essential for establishing the right over the work. For example, a Court in the Northern District of California stated that: “ the determinative question is whether Plaintiff holds a valid copyright. ” Signo Trading Intern. Ltd. v. Gordon, 535 F. Supp. 362, 363 (N.D. Cal. 1981). The Signo Trading Court dismissed Plaintiff’s infringement claims because plaintiff did not have a valid copyright as a matter of law in the translations and transliterations at issue because they lacked the “requisite originality.” Id. at 365. Can Translation Be Considered a Creative Process? The Practice of Translating Translation goes beyond the replacement of one word by the equivalent word from the source text. Translating literary work, poetry, and fiction with deeper meanings beyond the surface text is a complex, artistic process. Translating books like The Iliad, for instance, requires the practice of artistic translation to translate the emotions, thoughts, and the culture correctly. Technical Translations and Legal Translations Conversely, technical writing and texts for the law need less creativity and instead value correctness over all else. These writing forms require strict adherence to the original sense, leaving very little room for artistic interpretation. Translations for these writing forms thus typically involve less creative contribution and less potential for the work being protected by copyright. Why Is Creativity Important for Translations for Copyright? Originality when translating For a work to be subject to copyright, some creativity, however slight, is essential. Even when the translation is taken from the work, the translation also includes some creative work by the translator. This creativity can make the translation subject to copyright. A derivative work must “recast, transform[], or adapt[]” a preexisting work and “consist[] of editorial revisions, annotations, elaborations, or other modifications which, as a whole, represent an original work of authorship.” Id. In other words, it must change or alter the pre-existing work’s content and must itself be an original work of authorship. The Supreme Court stated that “ [t]he sine qua non of copyright is originality ” and that “ [t]o qualify for copyright protection, a work must be original to the author. ” Feist Publ’ns, Inc. v. Rural Tel. Serv. Co., Inc., 499 U.S. 340, 361 (1991) at 345. “Original, as the term is used in copyright, means only that the work was independently created by the author (as opposed to copied from other works), and that it possesses at least some minimal degree of creativity.” Id. (citing 1 M. Nimmer & D. Nimmer, Copyright §§ 2.01[A], [B] (1990)). In granting a Rule 12 motion to dismiss, the Signo Trading Court held that: " It is inconceivable that anyone could copyright a single word or a commonly used short phrase, in any language. It is also inconceivable that a valid copyright could be obtained for a phonetic spelling, using standard Roman letters, of such words or phrases. Although lists of words and translations of larger works may be copyrightable, Plaintiff cannot claim credit for any of the elements which make those things copyrightable. For these reasons, Plaintiff does not hold a valid copyright on the translations or transliterations ... " Signo Trading, 535 F. Supp. at 365. The Problem of the Derivative Work However, translations are generally "derivative works" - derived from the work of another. Because of this, the owner or author of the work is generally required to agree to the translation. Translations made illegally can be held under the classification of copyright violations, even when the translator has added creative elements. Who Has the Right over the Translated Work? Employer-Commissioned Translations Ownership of the copyright for the translation work varies. If the translation is commissioned by the owner of the original work, the owner will retain the right. Even when the translator adds creativity by passing over the original emotions and thoughts, the owner will not necessarily lose the right over the translation work. In some circumstances, the translation work can be accredited by the translator without them holding the right over the work. Independent Translations If a translation is performed independently by the translator, the translator can even be identified as the co-author of the translation. Nevertheless, the author typically has the underlying copyright, restricting the translator’s right over the work. Creative Translations from the Public Domain In certain cases, a translation may be creative enough to warrant its own copyright. For example, a translator adapting a classic work or a book in the public domain into modern language may introduce enough originality to qualify for copyright protection. However, direct, word-for-word translations are typically not considered original enough to receive new copyright protection. What About Machine Translations? The Human Creativity Copyright Requirement Machine-generated translations, including those produced by platforms like OpenAI , operate through advanced algorithms that replicate language patterns rather than capture the human touch. Unlike translations crafted by human translators who often infuse cultural insight and genuine emotion into the work, OpenAI's output is rooted in statistical patterns and data. Consequently, while these translations are impressively efficient and accurate, they typically fall short of the originality required for copyright protection. This distinction underscores the human creativity requirement needed to secure a valid copyright . Ultimately, although machine-generated translations serve as powerful tools, they do not offer the same legal and creative protections as those provided by human translators. The Bottom Line: Navigating Copyright in Translations Translations occupy the middle ground under the law of the copyright. Albeit the right of the original author generally has the right under the copyright, the right under the copyright can also be claimed by the translator provided the translation is creative enough. Central considerations here include the creativity the translator has added, the nature of the work being translated, and whether the work is under the public domain. These considerations establish the right of the owner under the copyright for the translation. Why Wilson Whitaker Rynell for Your Copyright Work? At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, our professional lawyers specialize in the practice of copyright law and copyright litigation , including the complex subject matter of translation work. We can provide you with advice about the ownership of your work under the provisions of the copyright, and protect your creative property. If you are the author, the publisher, or the translator, you can rely upon the advice from our firm. Copyright Translation FAQS
A man is sitting at a desk looking at a computer screen after getting an ISP copyright demand notice
By John Wilson May 27, 2024
How to Respond to a Copyright Infringement Notice from Your ISP: A Step-by-Step Guide
two people are looking at a floor plan of a house
By Kayla Holderman December 7, 2023
Copyright Protection For House Plans
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