Publishing & Media

Whether the subject is copyright protection of a song or software program, publishing an electronic newsletter or paperback book, respecting rights of publicity or privacy, or advising a client on the best ways to respond to the Google Books settlement agreement or manage inalienable termination rights, our attorneys are well versed in the intricacies of copyright, publishing and media law.

Our services include:

• Federal registration of copyrights, including in software code, websites and traditional works
• Drafting and negotiating license agreements for copyrighted works
• Auditing websites for legal compliance in a rapidly changing environment
• Advising on copyright fair use and infringement issues
• Drafting and negotiating publishing, collaboration, ghost writing and literary agency contracts
• Negotiating settlement agreements with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) or Business Software Alliance (BSA) in response to allegations of illegal music downloading or software infringement
• Ensuring that our clients’ agreements with independent contractors capture the rights sought in the work product
• Helping clients navigate state publicity rights and defamation issues
• Advising universities on copyright policies and application of the TEACH Act.

We will guide you in protecting your copyrighted assets, whether in the form of software or traditional writings, graphic art, sculpture or other expressive media.

Some examples of our work include:

• Analyzing critical copyright and publicity right issues for a videogame producer
• Preparing a collaboration agreement for a humor writer and illustrator
• Assisting a publisher of children’s books resolve an infringement of one of its author’s song lyrics by a major toy company
• Helping an author decommission a web site making unauthorized uses of his text and artwork
• Advising a publisher on proper use of third party jokes and epigrams
• Counseling a local college on its intellectual property policies, with particular regard to the copyright treatment of different types of content.

To discuss your company's specific legal needs, and how our experienced attorneys might meet them more efficiently and responsively, please contact Howard Zaharoff or Mike Cavaretta.