The number one thing I wish I could get people to understand is the importance of doing a comprehensive trademark search for a chosen brand or product name prior to using it in the marketplace. Why don’t people perform any type of trademark search prior to launching their brand-new company that they have thrown all of their savings at? Probably …
DMCA Takedown Requests: How to Ensure You’re Compliant
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is the main piece of legislation that has allowed websites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to grow and keep from being sued out of business. Essentially the DMCA is a safe harbor process that allows owners of websites to remove any intellectual property that someone claims are infringing on their rights, without also being …
Trademarks vs. Copyrights vs. Registered vs. Not…Help!!
I talk about intellectual property (trademarks, copyrights, patents and a few other things) a lot. But, I don’t think I have ever explained the small differences between each, and the main points between registration vs non-registration of each. This is going to be a brief overview of that, and hopefully, by the end of this, you will have a better …
Work For Hire Provisions
To continue on from the last posts theme I wanted to talk about work for hire provisions and agreements within your independent contractor package as a whole. California exception: But, before we get into the topic I want to put a disclaimer on this one aside from my normal this is not legal advice line. This topic is very different …
Independent Contractor Agreements: Beware of these Pitfalls
My practice focuses on helping my clients build, grow, and protect their businesses. This usually means that I must advise clients on a wide variety of issues. Often times I wish I could provide my clients with legal checklists on handling their issues to allow them to keep the workflow moving rather than having to interrupt their creative process to …
Model Release: When Do You Need One?
Live events are probably one of the most popular ways to connect with your audience these days. I know in the fitness and online social media world, meeting your “fan base” or supporters is the best way to thank them, and of course, find out what more you can offer to improve their lives. They’re relatively easy to put together …