Copyright Registration and Enforcement Attorneys

Our attorneys represent a broad range of creators and businesses across the media and technology industries, including:

• Musicians, composers, and record labels
• Film and television producers
• Authors, journalists, and publishers
• Influencers, YouTubers, and digital creators
• Software developers and technology startups
• Advertising agencies and creative studios
• Media and entertainment companies

We work with both individual creators and established organizations to ensure their intellectual property rights are properly protected.

Our attorneys assist clients in registering copyrights with the U.S. Copyright Office for a wide range of creative works, including:

• Music compositions and sound recordings
• Screenplays, films, and audiovisual productions
• Books, articles, and literary works
• Software, applications, and digital platforms
• Artwork, graphic designs, and photography

While copyright protection exists upon creation, federal registration establishes a public record of ownership and strengthens your ability to enforce your rights in court. Proper registration also allows copyright holders to seek statutory damages and attorney’s fees in infringement actions.

Online platforms have made it easier than ever for copyrighted works to be shared—but also misused. Our attorneys assist clients with enforcing their rights across digital platforms through the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and related enforcement strategies.

We assist with:

• Drafting and submitting DMCA takedown notices for platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, Etsy, and Amazon
• Responding to counter-notices and resolving disputes between parties
• Advising on repeat infringer policies and platform compliance procedures
• Addressing misuse of DMCA notices and wrongful takedowns

Our goal is to stop unauthorized use quickly while protecting your rights and avoiding unnecessary escalation.

When your creative work is used without permission, our attorneys act swiftly to enforce your rights through:

• Cease-and-desist letters and infringement notices
• DMCA takedown requests for online platforms
• Federal copyright litigation when necessary
• Strategic licensing and settlement negotiations

We focus on protecting both the creative integrity and commercial value of your work while pursuing appropriate compensation for unauthorized use.

Copyright disputes can arise across many industries and platforms. Our attorneys represent clients in matters involving:

• Online content theft and social media infringement
• Unauthorized sampling, remixing, or synchronization in music and media
• Copyright claims involving NFTs and digital assets
• Infringement by competitors or former collaborators
• Disputes between co-creators or joint authors
• Copyright misuse and overreaching enforcement claims

By addressing these issues early and strategically, we help clients protect their intellectual property while minimizing disruption to their business or creative projects.

Beyond enforcement, our firm advises clients on proactive copyright strategies, including:

• Fair use and transformative works analysis
• Joint authorship and co-ownership agreements
• Derivative works and adaptation rights
• Work-for-hire agreements and employment-related copyright issues

Our goal is to help clients structure their projects and agreements in a way that prevents disputes and preserves ownership rights from the outset.

Why is copyright registration important if I already created the work?

While your work is automatically protected upon creation, registration provides a public record, strengthens enforcement rights, and allows you to recover statutory damages and attorney’s fees in court.

How long does copyright protection last?

For works created by individuals, copyright generally lasts the life of the author plus 70 years. For works made for hire, it lasts 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.

Can I enforce my copyright internationally?

International copyright protection is available under treaties like the Berne Convention, but enforcement generally requires action in each relevant jurisdiction.

What should I do if I discover someone has used my work without permission?

Contact an experienced entertainment attorney immediately. We can send cease-and-desist letters, file DMCA takedowns, or pursue litigation to protect your rights and seek damages.

Do I need to register my copyright before sending a cease-and-desist letter?

Not necessarily. You can send a cease-and-desist letter without registration. However, federal copyright registration is typically required before filing a lawsuit for infringement.

What damages can I recover for copyright infringement?

Copyright owners may recover actual damages and lost profits or, if the work is registered in time, statutory damages and attorney’s fees.

How much does copyright registration cost?

U.S. Copyright Office filing fees generally range from approximately $45 to $125 depending on the type of application and number of works being registered.

What is the difference between copyright and trademark protection?

Copyright protects original creative works such as music, writing, and film, while trademark law protects brand identifiers such as names, logos, and slogans used in commerce.

Can AI-generated works be copyrighted?

U.S. copyright law generally requires human authorship. Works generated entirely by artificial intelligence may not qualify for copyright protection, though human contributions may still be protectable.

How long does copyright registration take?

Processing times vary, but electronic filings typically take several months. Expedited registration may be available in certain circumstances.