Don’t you just love blogs? I do, although I am a wee bit partial to this one. One thing I do not like is the copyright infringement I witness on a fairly regular basis. Guess what bloggers – you using the photo you Googled and found or that clip from a magazine article, even when … Continue reading
Much like the Dolby Surround Sound demonstration before a movie in a theater, when you practice in the field of copyright and trademark law, you soon realize copyright law and trademark law is “all around.” The Hubs and I decided to visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum while in Washington, D.C. My biggest takeaway was … 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
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
I love Pinterest. There is something productive feeling about creating your own mini-magazines showcasing your dream home, your ideal wedding or every tip you could find on treating your pets. Let’s not forget the recipes. When I am not talking about, reading or researching intellectual property issues, you can usually find me in the kitchen. There is something therapeutic, … Continue reading
I am all about sharing ideas, borrowing from other concepts to create something new or winking at something inspirational to your own work. All of that is okay and is actually encouraged by the Copyright Act under the fair use defense, the idea of derivative works and the idea of transformative works. However, copying of copyrightable … Continue reading
Isn’t Fall such a reflective time? Mississippi is just barely starting to get a glimpse with sometimes cooler temperatures earlier in the morning. As we approach a new season, let’s revisit what has been the biggest copyright and trademark stories of 2014 … so far and according to what you all most read on Statute of RyAnne. … Continue reading
This past week saw a story about copyright and plagiarism in Mississippi that could only happen in Mississippi. According to the Clarion-Ledger, Charles Johnson, a blogger from California used photos on his website belonging (copyrighted) to someone else, specifically The Hattiesburg American newspaper (owned by Gannett) and The Associated Press. The news article in the Clarion-Ledger states … Continue reading
The state of Alabama announced a few weeks ago that all official signs coming into the state will receive a makeover. The longtime phrase “Alabama the Beautiful” will be replaced with “Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama.” An article earlier this week, HERE, reported, the state of Alabama will pay $75,000 as a licensing fee for use … Continue reading
The big film news this week was author E.L. James’s announcement via twitter that a trailer for the much anticipated film Fifty Shades of Grey, set for release in February 2015, would be …[ahem – clears throat] … “released from bondage” to the masses later this month on July 24. While shopping in Target this … Continue reading
Sometimes you read something so spot on that it must be shared. If I had a nickel for every time I heard someone say they wanted to “trademark” their song or get a “copyright” on their business name or that they do not need to license a photograph because it is “fair use,” I would be … Continue reading
If you have taken time to read my ABOUT section, then you know one of my favorite hobbies is watching Saturday Night Live. Some casts are better than others, some skits are more memorable than others and some characters are funnier than others. Regardless of the year, the American history and social norms it seems … Continue reading
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