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Copyright Registration for Tech Startups

Copyright registration _ LA Tech and Media Law Blog

When technology startups, entrepreneurs, and other innovation firms invest in research and development (R&D), copyright registration of various works becomes an important due diligence step under intellectual property rights.

Copyright registration in the United States takes place in the United States Copyright Office, see www.copyright.gov. United States Copyright law is governed under Title 17 of the United States Code. The full scope of copyright law includes several sections as enumerated below:

Copyright Registration for Tech Startups
3D illustration of two rubber stamps with copyright word and symbol over kraft paper background, Concept of copyrighted material
Title 17 of the United States Code
Chapter 1: Subject Matter and Scope of Copyright

Chapter 2: Copyright Ownership and Transfer

Chapter 3: Duration of Copyright

Chapter 4: Copyright Notice, Deposit, and Registration

Chapter 5: Copyright Infringement and Remedies

Chapter 6: Importation and Exportation

Chapter 7: Copyright Office

Chapter 8: Proceedings by Copyright Royalty Judges

Chapter 9: Protection of Semiconductor Chip Products

Chapter 10: Digital Audio Recording Devices and Media

Chapter 11: Sound Recordings and Music Videos

Chapter 12: Copyright Protection and Management Systems

Chapter 13: Protection of Original Designs

Copyright Registration Subject Matter

Identifying Copyright subject matter is among the most important elements of copyright protection and copyright registration in the US Copyright Office. An experienced copyright attorney and software lawyer can help identify various works that are entitled to copyright registration in the United States. Under the law, copyright protection extends to all original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed.

Copyright Registration for Tech Startups

Works of authorship for Copyright registration include the following categories:

(1) literary works;
(2) musical works, including any accompanying words;
(3) dramatic works, including any accompanying music;
(4) pantomimes and choreographic works;
(5) pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works;
(6) motion pictures and other audiovisual works;
(7) sound recordings; and
(8) architectural works.

It is important to note the Copyright Act expressly prohibits copyright registration of ideas or any procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle, or discovery, regardless of the form in which it is described, explained, illustrated, or embodied in such work. Entrepreneurs, technology startups, entertainment producers and other innovators typically develop a variety of original works, some of which may be entitled to copyright registration, and their various legal protection and due diligence strategies may depend on the product being produced, how it was created, timelines, licenses, and a variety of other legal and business factors.

Picture of David N. Sharifi, Esq.
David N. Sharifi, Esq.

David N. Sharifi, Esq. is a Los Angeles based intellectual property attorney and technology startup consultant with focuses in entertainment law, emerging technologies, trademark protection, and “the internet of things”. David was recognized as one of the Top 30 Most Influential Attorneys in Digital Media and E-Commerce Law by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
Office: Ph: 310-751-0181; david@latml.com.

Disclaimer: The content above is a discussion of legal issues and general information; it does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as such without seeking professional legal counsel. Reading the content above does not create an attorney-client relationship. All trademarks are the property of L.A. Tech & Media Law Firm or their respective owners. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

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Office: 310-751-0181
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