Protect Your Creative Legacy With 40 Years Of Copyright Counsel In The Bay Area

Your work is your most valuable asset. Whether you are working through a complex publishing agreement or facing a fair use dispute, you need a partner who understands the nuance of copyright law, not just from the books but from the creator’s perspective. I am attorney Lawrence G. Townsend and I bring over 40 years of experience helping creative people, companies and firms handle copyright transaction matters.

Call my office today at 415-906-2792 to discuss your specific copyright needs.

Copyright Services For Creators And Businesses

I handle a wide range of copyright matters organized around the type of work and the issue at hand:

  • Creative publishing: Book publishing agreements covering both print and e-book formats, along with negotiations for authors, publishers and literary agents
  • Digital and tech: DMCA takedown notices, internet copyright disputes and software licensing agreements that govern how digital works are used and protected
  • Visual arts and design: Ownership and licensing matters involving photography, architectural design and graphic and fine art
  • Corporate counsel: Work-for-hire disputes, advertising and marketing compliance and outbound licensing arrangements for businesses that create or distribute content

I also handle copyright litigation, including infringement claims, work-for-hire disputes and ownership disagreements when a matter cannot be resolved through negotiation alone.

Legal Precision. A Creator’s Perspective.

My background as a fiction author gives me firsthand insight into what copyright actually means to the person who created the work. I have been on the other side of these issues, which shapes how I approach every case. Whether your work falls into the more elevated categories of literature, photography and fine art, or the more practical world of marketing materials, software and data compilations, I bring that creator’s perspective to the legal strategy.

A photographer, author or designer often feels more understood by a lawyer who has actually lived the creative process rather than one who has only studied it from a distance. That is the difference I bring to every copyright matter I handle.

Understanding Copyright Law

Copyright is governed by federal law under the U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. Sections 101 through 810. A copyright grants its owner the exclusive right to reproduce, display, perform or distribute their creative work. I am well versed in Digital Millennium Copyright Act issues and DMCA compliance, which have become increasingly relevant as more creative work moves online.

For more information, review my copyright FAQ page to find answers to common questions about copyright transactions and disputes.

Schedule A Consultation Today

If you have a copyright transaction question or matter that needs attention, contact me, Lawrence G. Townsend, Intellectual Property Lawyer, by phone at 415-906-2792 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.