I have a question when you mention online, when it comes to social media, they always write in their TOS that they can use our stuff how ever they want without our permissions. Is that actual true or is it some kind of small text here hiding?
People always freak out on the webb when they find this part.
This applies far beyond legal matters. We spend years refining our craft, yet often treat the structures that protect it as something to deal with later. The architecture around the work deserves as much attention as the work itself.
I knew most of the last few. Regardless, it's always good to understand your rights no matter if you're familiar or not. It's the only way to have leverage against the corporations.
Gracias homie! It was literally a random thing I did when I couldn't sleep one morning. It kinda just took on a life of it's own. I was not expecting that, like at all.😅🤷🏾♀️
I’ve already copyrighted a GRUW of stage play scripts, and am now expanding each play into its own novel.
Do I also need to copyright the novels, or did the original registration cover it, since I reserve all rights to derivative works?
Is there any difference in registering said derivative works since I'm not adapting other authors' work? Or do I simply register them with the typical GRUW since they're unpublished?
"Most artists never do this, which means you're either accidentally giving away rights you meant to keep or potentially losing licensing income because the buyer assumed they owned everything."
Can you clarify? Are you saying if the artist DOESN'T specify in writing that they retain rights, then they accidentally gave away those rights and the buyer is correct in assuming that the buyer owns everything?
A buyer's assumption alone doesn't transfer copyright ownership. Assumptions can lead to litigation, but assumptions by themselves don't transfer copyright. That's why it's important for artists and clients to clearly define ownership and usage rights prior to delivery of the work.
That’s helpful. Thank you. At one point I was in a training that said you could register your website as a collected work and everything you posted there would fall under that protection for the year. When I went to go to the government’s website to do that, I couldn’t find the form. Is that group/collected works no longer available?
You're welcome. I have never heard of that, like ever.🤔 That does not sound legally accurate. Copyright registration can't protect future work that doesn't exist yet. Maybe the person was referring to a group registration or annual filing strategy? Some people and businesses file every quarter or every year. In certain cases you can register blogposts, newsletters, or a compilation of content from your website, but that will only apply to what you've submitted in the application.
I just realized I missed your major question. Duh. Expect roughly $200-$500 for an initial consultation. Some lawyers may also put some of that initial consultation fee towards any work you need.
Hi Cory, thanks for asking. If you're making decent money from your art, budget roughly $500-$1000 per year. As an illustrator, understanding contracts, copyright ownership, licensing terms, and when to register your copyrights should be your primary focus. Copyright registrations will run you $45-$65 per application, but the process is relatively simple so you can manage straightforward applications by yourself. Having a lawyer review a license agreement or contract though before you sign can save way more than it costs. That price will vary depending on the lawyer and complexity of the contact. Shift your focus from what should I spend, to what am I trying to protect? That way you know what you can do on your own, instead of spending unnecessarily. Hope this helps! 🙏🏾🌺
Great information - thank you for this!
Brilliant. Thank you. Every writing conference has a class on legalities and contracts. It’s one of the least followed classes. 🤷♀️
Thank you so much Susan. This legal stuff does not need to be confusing at all, especially because it’s so important.
Bookmarking this.
Excellent disclaimer.
Thank you for the useful information
You’re welcome!🙏🏾🌺
0. Understand there are separate laws, practices and regulatory requirements in the various states, countries and nations to those where you reside.
Just because X happens in your country, doesn't mean it also happens when it gets broadcast across the globe.
(Ex-Insurance Compliance Officer with multi-jurisdiction responsibilities).
I have a question when you mention online, when it comes to social media, they always write in their TOS that they can use our stuff how ever they want without our permissions. Is that actual true or is it some kind of small text here hiding?
People always freak out on the webb when they find this part.
You’re welcome!
Technically, you still own your copyright. What you’re usually granting to these social media platforms is a license.
That actually makes sense. Thanks!
This is so good. Thanks for this!
Sue, thank you so much for reading it. You are appreciated!🙏🏾🌺
This applies far beyond legal matters. We spend years refining our craft, yet often treat the structures that protect it as something to deal with later. The architecture around the work deserves as much attention as the work itself.
I agree wholeheartedly Fides. Danke for reading.🙏🏾🌺
I knew most of the last few. Regardless, it's always good to understand your rights no matter if you're familiar or not. It's the only way to have leverage against the corporations.
Amazing! Thank you so much and congrats on this post. Wow!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Gracias homie! It was literally a random thing I did when I couldn't sleep one morning. It kinda just took on a life of it's own. I was not expecting that, like at all.😅🤷🏾♀️
That’s wassup I love the voice if the piece ans the direct easy to use advice. 🙌🏽
Thank you so much for this!
Very specific question:
I’ve already copyrighted a GRUW of stage play scripts, and am now expanding each play into its own novel.
Do I also need to copyright the novels, or did the original registration cover it, since I reserve all rights to derivative works?
Is there any difference in registering said derivative works since I'm not adapting other authors' work? Or do I simply register them with the typical GRUW since they're unpublished?
Thanks so much for your help.
You're welcome Beks! I have a response for you, but I'm writing it up so it's helpful to others who may need it, too, ok? Look out for it tomorrow!
Awesome, thanks so much!
You are very welcome! This is for you: https://loi.substack.com/p/to-register-or-not-to-register
Yes! Brilliant. Thanks So Much for sharing.
You're welcome Simon. Thanks for reading!🙏🏾🌺
Thank you!!
"Most artists never do this, which means you're either accidentally giving away rights you meant to keep or potentially losing licensing income because the buyer assumed they owned everything."
Can you clarify? Are you saying if the artist DOESN'T specify in writing that they retain rights, then they accidentally gave away those rights and the buyer is correct in assuming that the buyer owns everything?
A buyer's assumption alone doesn't transfer copyright ownership. Assumptions can lead to litigation, but assumptions by themselves don't transfer copyright. That's why it's important for artists and clients to clearly define ownership and usage rights prior to delivery of the work.
Thank you. So if I paid for a portrait of myself which I have as a print, that doesn't give me the right to use it on a book cover?
I don’t think I need legal council at this stage, but roughly what would an initial consultation cost? I’m curious how much I should put aside
That’s helpful. Thank you. At one point I was in a training that said you could register your website as a collected work and everything you posted there would fall under that protection for the year. When I went to go to the government’s website to do that, I couldn’t find the form. Is that group/collected works no longer available?
You're welcome. I have never heard of that, like ever.🤔 That does not sound legally accurate. Copyright registration can't protect future work that doesn't exist yet. Maybe the person was referring to a group registration or annual filing strategy? Some people and businesses file every quarter or every year. In certain cases you can register blogposts, newsletters, or a compilation of content from your website, but that will only apply to what you've submitted in the application.
I just realized I missed your major question. Duh. Expect roughly $200-$500 for an initial consultation. Some lawyers may also put some of that initial consultation fee towards any work you need.
Hi Cory, thanks for asking. If you're making decent money from your art, budget roughly $500-$1000 per year. As an illustrator, understanding contracts, copyright ownership, licensing terms, and when to register your copyrights should be your primary focus. Copyright registrations will run you $45-$65 per application, but the process is relatively simple so you can manage straightforward applications by yourself. Having a lawyer review a license agreement or contract though before you sign can save way more than it costs. That price will vary depending on the lawyer and complexity of the contact. Shift your focus from what should I spend, to what am I trying to protect? That way you know what you can do on your own, instead of spending unnecessarily. Hope this helps! 🙏🏾🌺