Copyright Law and 3D Printer Vender Lock-In

An interesting debate is emerging in the US Copyright Office: what, if anything, should the US Copyright Office do about the materials that are used in 3D printers? Under Section 1201 of the Copyright Act, “No person shall circumvent a technological measure that effectively controls access to a work protected under this title.” In the… READ MORE

Copyright Indirect Liability

While the Copyright Act of 1976 (hereinafter Copyright Act) does not explicitly recognize indirect liability, courts have held third parties liable for copyright infringement under two common law doctrines. They include: contributory Infringement; and vicarious Liability. In the Copyright Act, “Congress recognized secondary liability, [also referred to as indirect liability], in the grant of rights… READ MORE

Actual Damages Under Copyright Law

As stated in Statutory Damages Under Copyright Law, “an infringer of copyright is liable for either — (1) the copyright owner’s actual damages and any additional profits of the infringer; or (2) statutory damages.” 17 U.S.C. §504(a). In addition to the actual damages entitled to the copyright owner who suffered as a result of the… READ MORE

Copyright Infringement of Viral Videos

With viral videos racking in around four billion views per day on Facebook, several copyright infringement issues are becoming more apparent, and they are stemming from these popular videos. According to a recent article in the Business Insider, “There is more money than ever before in online video. YouTube stars like Zoella, [also known as… READ MORE

Statutory Damages Under Copyright Law

Under the Copyright Act of 1976 (hereinafter Copyright Act), “an infringer of copyright is liable for either: (1) the copyright owner’s actual damages and any additional profits of the infringer; or (2) statutory damages.” 17 U.S.C. §504(a). Statutory Damages Defined Statutory damages are damages that may be awarded in civil law and are stipulated in… READ MORE

Artist Blows Up Instagram Photo, Sells for $90,000

Before snapping that photo of your delicious and ornately plated vegan omelet, make sure you get the light right. Get the proper angle, make sure the omelet is in a good mood—don’t be lazy! Why? Well, because that picture may be worth up to $90,000. We’re as surprised as you are. But instead of letting… READ MORE

Work-for-Hire Doctrine and “Silicon Valley”

Sorry Gavin, Your Lawsuit is Doomed Even Under the Work-For-Hire Doctrine In the HBO show “Silicon Valley,” the antagonist CEO of a fictional company is suing the shows protagonist under the work-for-hire doctrine. Richard, the young software developer is on the verge of changing the technology industry—and making loads of cash—with a brand new, super-awesome… READ MORE

An Introduction to TuneSat and Copyright Infringement Notifications Brief Overview of Copyright Law and Licensing Copyright law grants property rights to authors/creators of original works of expression. If you compose a new song, you have a copyright property interest in that song. If someone comes along later and copies your work, they have infringed your… READ MORE

If you have received notice from your Internet service provider concerning a copyright infringement case filed against you by Countryman Nevada, LLC, you are not alone. Countryman Nevada, LLC has filed numerous John Doe copyright infringement lawsuits in the Western District of Michigan and the Northern District of Illinois over purported infringement of the movie… READ MORE

Revision Legal’s Michigan entertainment lawyers can help you navigate entertainment law. Our attorneys have represented artists, musicians, writers, and video game developers in the following areas: Publishing contracts; Copyright registration; Copyright litigation and rights enforcement; Trademark registration; Trademark litigation and rights enforcement; and Merchandising contracts If you are a Michigan-based artist, musician, writer, or other… READ MORE