Copyright gives creators of original works exclusive rights to reproduce, adapt, publish, perform, and display their work — and to license those rights to others. It attaches automatically when an original work is fixed in a tangible form. However, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office unlocks critical legal benefits that automatic protection alone does not provide. Contact TCP Law to discuss registering your creative work.

Copyright protects original works fixed in a tangible form, including literary works, novels, software, poems, plays, musical works and lyrics, sound recordings, audiovisual works like films and TV shows, photographs, paintings, sculptures, architectural designs, and dramatic works. Copyright does not protect ideas, facts, styles, or methods — only the specific original expression of those things. Learn more about securing copyright protection or contact TCP Law to register your work.

Registration provides four critical legal benefits automatic protection does not: the right to sue for copyright infringement in federal court; public notice of your copyright; prima facie evidence of validity; and eligibility for statutory damages up to $150,000 per work for willful infringement — without proving actual losses. To qualify for statutory damages, registration must occur before infringement or within three months of publication. Contact TCP Law to build your registration strategy.

TCP Law assists creators with preparing, filing, and prosecuting copyright registrations for a broad range of works — including songs, films, photographs, written content, and software code. Attorney Laurence handles the full registration process with the U.S. Copyright Office, ensuring applications accurately reflect the scope of your rights. Contact John directly at john@tcplawfirm.com or 917-612-1059, or book a free consultation to get started.

Copyright enforcement includes monitoring media platforms and online marketplaces, sending cease and desist letters, DMCA takedown notices for online infringement, licensing negotiations, and federal court litigation. A registered copyright owner may seek injunctive relief, actual damages, the infringer's profits, and — where registration was timely — statutory damages and attorney's fees. TCP Law handles all stages of copyright enforcement. Schedule a free consultation to evaluate your claim.

Yes — licensing is one of copyright's most commercially valuable features. A copyright owner can grant exclusive or non-exclusive licenses to reproduce, distribute, adapt, perform, or display the work while retaining underlying ownership. Licensing is the legal foundation of publishing, music, film distribution, and software industries. Structuring licenses correctly — defining scope, exclusivity, and term — is critical. Learn about copyright protection or contact TCP Law to discuss your licensing needs.

Yes — software code is protected as a literary work under copyright law, covering the specific expression of the code as written. However, copyright does not protect the underlying functionality, algorithms, or methods. For protecting functional aspects of a software invention, patent protection may be more appropriate — and many software products benefit from both simultaneously. Read about AI and software-based patents or contact TCP Law for guidance.

To qualify for statutory damages — between $750 and $30,000 per infringed work, up to $150,000 for willful infringement — your copyright must be registered either before infringement begins or within three months of the work's first publication. Missing this window limits you to actual damages, which must be proven and can be difficult to quantify. This timing rule is why early registration matters. Learn more about securing copyright protection and book a consultation.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) establishes a notice-and-takedown system allowing copyright owners to request removal of infringing content from online platforms. Properly submitted notices to platforms like YouTube, Amazon, Instagram, and Etsy can result in content removal within days. DMCA takedowns work best when the underlying work is formally registered. Learn about copyright infringement enforcement or contact TCP Law to discuss your online infringement situation.

Yes. A © notice signals ownership and may deter infringement, but it does not substitute for formal registration. Without registration, you cannot sue for copyright infringement in federal court, cannot establish prima facie validity, and are not eligible for statutory damages or attorney's fees. The notice and the registration serve different purposes — a well-protected work needs both. Read about securing copyright protection and schedule a consultation.