Copyrights

Protecting Creative Works

Whether you’re an artist, author, musician, or business owner, your original works deserve protection from unauthorized use and exploitation. As an experienced copyright attorney, Susan Troy will protect your intellectual property rights under U.S. copyright law.

What Does Copyright Law Protect?

Copyright protects original works of authorship, including:

• Literary works (books, articles, poetry)
• Musical compositions (songs, sheet music)
• Artistic works (paintings, photographs, sculptures)
• Digital content (websites, software, video games)
• Film and audiovisual creations (movies, TV shows, videos)
• Technical drawings and architectural drawings

Susan Dierenfeldt-Troy’s copyright-related legal services are specifically tailored to her clients’ needs and objectives and include the following: 

• Copyright Registration

Copyright protection begins when the work is created; formal copyright registration offers additional legal advantages and is required as a prerequisite for bringing a copyright infringement lawsuit. Susan ensures that eligible works are properly registered.  For timely registered works, the copyright owner may be eligible for certain benefits should the owner prevail in a copyright infringement lawsuit.

• Copyright Monetization and Licensing

Susan also assists her copyright clients in monetizing their copyrights.  This generally involves drafting or reviewing licensing agreements, e.g., licensing agreements between a novelist and a book publisher or between a software developer and third parties wishing to licensing the software.  She also advises songwriters of the several types of licensing opportunities available to them under the law.   These services may also include investor consultation services on matters related to copyrights and other types of IP.

• Copyright Enforcement & Infringement Defense

Susan provides aggressive legal representation to protect her clients’ rights if someone uses their copyrighted works without permission. She assists clients in sending cease-and-desist letters, negotiating settlements, and pursuing litigation when necessary to stop unauthorized use and seek compensation for damages. She helps clients navigate these disputes through negotiations, settlements, or court proceedings, to ensure their rights are protected.

Susan also provides defense strategies for individuals or businesses accused of copyright infringement.

• Fair Use Consultation

Understanding fair use is essential for businesses and creators alike. Susan provides legal advice on fair use matters, helping clients determine whether using copyrighted material without permission qualifies as fair use under the law.