Copyright law has always confused people, especially when it comes to popular media like musical recordings and movies. In the digital era media overlaps with software, making the conversation increasingly muddled. What is the lawsuit about?There is no shortage of...
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7 steps to protect your trade secrets
It could be a scene from almost any of the Mission Impossible movies. The man--wearing all black, of course--plummets down the air shaft until his harness stops him mere inches from the floor. In a flash, he's typing away on a nearby computer terminal. After a tense...
Hey, that’s my photo on your website
Hey, that's my photo on your website You've just written the best blog post of your life and now all you need is a photo to make it perfect. Since the post is about you taking a short break from accepting new clients, you decide the best photo is of a movie star...
Dollars and scents: Trademark disputes over smells
Dollars and scents: Trademark disputes over smells Traditionally, trademarks have consisted of logos or brand names that are uniquely associated with a particular company. However, trademarks aren't necessarily limited to logos or names. In rare cases, they can...
4 ways startup founders can prevent trade secret lawsuits
4 ways startup founders can prevent trade secret lawsuitsLawsuits from an old employer can add up to expensive legal problems for a new business owner. Many startup founders face accusations from their old employers, claiming that they stole trade secrets. Startup...
Someone used my work online without my permission. Now what?
Someone used my work online without my permission. Now what? In this age of the internet, when even grade school children have instant access to the world online, it seems quite normal for people to share images and words from screen to screen at the touch of a...
Seven common myths about copyrights
You've heard of copyrights many times, but do you really understand how they work? Read seven of the most common myths and misconceptions about them here: Myth #1: Copyrights only apply to books.While books and magazine articles are certainly some of the most common...
Understanding your rights after your artwork is sold
Understanding your rights after your artwork is soldWhen an artist spreads the last daub of oil paint on the canvas, or a photographer finally captures the perfect scene, the sense of pride and ownership is profound.That feeling does not simply go away after the...
What California employees need to know about non-compete agreements
If a business’s profits depend on trade secrets, it is not unreasonable for the business to want to keep those secrets. Some businesses try to prevent their secrets from being spread by legally preventing their employees from telling those secrets, even after...