YouTube is really great. It has the ability to succinctly educate on all kinds of topics using the medium of film, which you know I love. Because some of us do not learn by words, I am constantly on the hunt for great video content. This past week, I ran across the Crash Course series on … Continue reading
It is usually a good indication to me that a topic should be covered when I receive the same question several times in a row and within a short period of time. The question most recently focuses on trademark law. How do you let the world know you have a valid trademark? Why do some … Continue reading
“I received this letter from some group called BMI saying I owe money for the music I play in my restaurant/gym/community 5k raising money for a good cause/concert venue. Is this a real thing and should I respond?” Yes, emphatically and soon! Over the past several weeks I have had several conversations regarding performance rights … Continue reading
Have you ever had those moments in life where everything seems to align? I am talking about those moments when you can feel a definite shift in the universe. This feeling is as real as if you are standing on one of those moving sidewalks in the airport. Whether you call it God, fate, karma, … Continue reading
I often get questions along the lines of, “Can I do this myself?” Most recently the questions center around, “Can I attempt a trademark registration of my name/logo/brand?” Admittedly, I do play for Team Lawyer; however, even if I did not play for the team, I would still answer with a strong “No Way!” Just … Continue reading
The creative economy should not be about simply adding to the body of creative work, but should truly be a discussion on how creativity adds to an overall economy. Without the intellectual property component the “economy” part of creative economy will grow slowly and never contribute significantly to the bottom line overall. Intellectual property is YOUR fortune, but it is also a state’s economic fortune. Continue reading
A few weeks ago, I started discussing the very interesting question of the use of resources in the classroom subject to protection under copyright and trademark law. I thought it was interesting because one of the common urban myths I hear all the time is that if the materials are being used to educate, then fair … Continue reading
I know you all heard about the $7.4 million verdict for the Marvin Gaye family over the popular tune “Blurred Lines” penned by Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams. The story has been everywhere – on the morning news, in the newspapers, in the Twitter feeds and all over Facebook. Here is a mash-up someone put … Continue reading
It is so interesting to see how copyright law now touches some aspect in many careers. Recently, my longtime friend, college roommate and now turned art teacher reached out to me with questions about copyright law. She wanted to educate her students and fellow art teachers not only on art, but the legal aspects as … Continue reading
Some nights you drift off to sleep knowing you fully lived into your purpose. This past week was such a week and has been information overload. I feel smarter than I did this time last week, which is always a really good thing. Still, overload. Each month I have the wonderful opportunity to travel to … Continue reading
This past Sunday was music’s biggest night. There was fashion. There were antics. There was Kanye attempting to make a show about music all about him. And, there were a LOT of copyright issues. Music might have taken center stage by being honored, but copyright issues crept in as obvious as Madonna’s horned dancers. Wait, … Continue reading
Filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office 3 years prior to the release of the sequel of To Kill a Mockingbird are facts to show the new book had been planned for awhile. Continue reading
Statute of RyAnne 