Copyright protects original creative and authored work — writing, artwork, photography, music, software code, and more. Protection exists automatically the moment a work is fixed, but registering it unlocks important legal advantages. I help creators and businesses in the Milwaukee area understand what copyright covers, register their work, and make informed decisions about licensing and ownership.
Copyright registration. I can prepare and file registrations with the U.S. Copyright Office, which is what gives you the ability to sue for infringement and, when timed correctly, to seek statutory damages and attorney's fees.
Ownership and work-for-hire questions. Who owns a work — the creator, the employer, or the client who paid for it — is a frequent and costly point of confusion. I can help you get ownership right through proper agreements before it becomes a dispute.
Licensing and assignments. Whether you're granting rights to your work or acquiring them from someone else, I can help structure agreements that say clearly what's being transferred.
Coordinating copyright with your other IP. Software and product designs often involve copyright, patents, and trademarks at once. Having one attorney who sees the whole picture helps you protect the work efficiently.