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22 Jul, 2015 by Gary
I am an archaeologist with an international profile (see my profile in the London Times website entitled "The Real-life Indiana Jones and the Mansion of Doom"). I have been keenly interested in Homer and his great epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, and I created a multifaceted project to celebrate and research Homer, called The Homeric Project (homericproject.com). A part of that effort was to conduct archaeological fieldwork on a Greek island, searching for the lost Palace of Odysseus from the Odyssey. As part of my overall research on Homer, I believe I have discovered a lost code involving sacred symbolic numbers that Homer, I believe, intentionally incorporated into both his epic poems. I wrote up my research, with my new discoveries, in a research paper entitled, "The Mystery of Homer's Numbers," which I copyrighted with the US Copyright Office in 2013.
The reason I retained Mr. Lauson was due to the following. I was conducting my field work in Greece with a colleague, with whom I also spent time writing on a projected book about the project. I had a falling-out with that colleague and terminated the joint project (including the book). In a subsequent letter from the colleague, a claim was made that she had filed a joint co-authorship of my "Homer's Numbers" paper with the US Copyright Office and it was implied that it had not only been applied for, but had actually been accepted and was in force. Therefore, my former colleague made those claims, which were not true. Since I could not stand to have such claims made on my original research, my discoveries and my paper -- and especially after my ex-colleague had an attorney send me a letter re-affirming the false claims -- I was forced to seek a professional attorney to defend me, my work and my reputation. I'm glad I found Mr. Robert Lauson because he did an outstanding job in straightening the mess out. He reviewed the facts I gave him, including a copy of my 2013 copyright which pre-dates the alleged copyright of 2014 by a year. His due diligence also disclosed that my ex-colleague did not submit my paper for copyright as stated. In fact, the copyright was not submitted until May 6 of this year (2015). Mr. Lauson completely agreed with my position on the whole matter and, unlike my ex-colleague's attorney who wrote an inaccurate and disparaging letter to me, Mr. Lauson wrote him back a very professional letter factually pointing out all the "misrepresentations" that my ex-colleague's attorney had stated based on the wrong information he had received from his client. Mr. Lauson also quoted in the same letter the legal precedents which supported my rightful legal interpretation of the case. Furthermore, and subsequent to that letter, Mr. Lauson was proactive with the US Copyright Office and got them to reject my ex-colleague's attempt to make a claim on my exclusive intellectual property. Hopefully that good action will have the effect of being a final termination to the attempt to make any claims on my original research and written research paper.
In short, Attorney Robert Lauson was cordial, very professional and knowledgeable about how to handle my case. Moreover, he did an outstanding job of dealing with my adversary's attorney and with straightening out the situation with the US Copyright Office, that resulted in a decision by it in my favor. I can't thank him enough for his good work, which has not only set the record straight but has gone a long way to restoring my peace of mind about my original work and my career.
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16 Mar, 2015 by Mark
I was intimidated to speak with a lawyer about an area of the law that was totally foreign to me but I needed a professional opinion of my idea and the likelihood of obtaining a patent. It was as important to me to get an assessment, as it was to learn as much as could about the process. I did not want to drop my idea on a desk and wait for results.
A friend of mine referred me to Bob. I knew at the end of our first appointment that he fit my requirements. He explained that his job is to
interpret the Patent Law and apply it to my idea, so that if necessary, modifications can me made to be successful with the Patent Office. He made suggestions that gave me food for thought, including that I should consider a trademark for the name.
I was very comfortable speaking with him and liked that he took the time to
teach me. I left his office feeling good and knowing what I needed to do to
keep rolling, what to expect, and that I made contact with a friendly lawyer
that will guide me without me being intimidated.
Since that appointment, he has communicated with me often to make sure
we are progressing.
I would recommend him to anyone seeking a patent.
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15 Mar, 2015 by Dan
Bob is one of the best trademark and patent lawyers that I have come across. He truly cares about his craft and works tirelessly to ensure everything is done efficiently and effectively. I would recommend Bob to anyone looking for a lawyer in the intellectual property space.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Virih m
My experience was extremely disappointing. Erik and his staff were consistently rude and unprofessional. They took an unreasonably long time with my case and never provided updates unless I reached out first. When I did contact them, they often had incorrect information and repeatedly asked for documents I had already sent. I have all the texts and emails to demonstrate just how poorly this law firm handled my case. I would never work with them again.
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17 May, 2024 by Michael jelks
Had great service from them and they took care of my
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07 Feb, 2024 by Nancy olivares
Cynthia Santiago is a smart and dedicated attorney who works hard for her clients and delivers results. I have referred many clients to her who need services in California and she always delivers. I would recommend her to anyone needing immigration or criminal defense services in California.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Copyright Lawyer Can Do for You
A copyright lawyer specializes in helping individuals and businesses protect their creative works by navigating the complexities of copyright law. They assist with registering copyrights, enforcing rights against infringement, drafting licensing agreements, and advising on the fair use of copyrighted material. Whether you're an author, artist, musician, software developer, or content creator, a copyright lawyer can help ensure your intellectual property is legally protected and monetized appropriately.
When Should I Hire a Copyright Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a copyright lawyer in the following situations:
- Registering a copyright: While copyright protection exists upon the creation of an original work, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office provides legal advantages, such as the ability to file a lawsuit for infringement and eligibility for statutory damages and attorney's fees.
- Enforcing your rights: If someone is using your work without permission, a lawyer can help you enforce your rights by sending cease and desist letters, negotiating settlements, or filing infringement lawsuits.
- Defending against infringement claims: If you're accused of infringing someone else's copyright, a lawyer can defend you by assessing the validity of the claim and representing you in negotiations or court proceedings.
- Drafting and reviewing contracts: When creating licensing agreements, work-for-hire agreements, or transferring ownership of a copyright, a lawyer can ensure the terms are legally sound and protect your interests.
- Fair use assessment: If you plan to use copyrighted material under the fair use doctrine, a lawyer can evaluate the risks and advise on compliance to prevent potential legal issues.
- International copyright concerns: If you need to protect your work internationally, a lawyer can guide you through the process of securing rights in other countries and navigating international treaties.
What Does a Copyright Lawyer Do?
A copyright lawyer provides a range of legal services related to the creation, protection, and enforcement of copyrighted works:
- Copyright registration: Assist in preparing and filing applications with the U.S. Copyright Office, ensuring all legal requirements are met for successful registration.
- Legal advice on protection strategies: Offer guidance on how to safeguard your work, including the best practices for documentation and disclosure.
- Drafting and negotiating agreements: Prepare contracts such as licensing agreements, assignments, and work-for-hire agreements to monetize your work while protecting your rights.
- Enforcement actions: Take legal steps against infringers, including sending cease and desist letters, negotiating settlements, and litigating infringement cases.
- Defense against infringement claims: Represent you if accused of infringement, developing defense strategies and handling negotiations or court proceedings.
- Fair use evaluation: Analyze whether your intended use of copyrighted material qualifies as fair use under the law, reducing the risk of infringement.
- International protection: Advise on securing copyright protection abroad and complying with international intellectual property laws and treaties.
How Are Copyright Lawyers Paid?
Copyright lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Hourly rate: Many lawyers bill by the hour, with rates ranging from $200 to $600 or more, depending on experience and location.
- Flat fee: For straightforward tasks like filing a copyright application or drafting a simple contract, some lawyers offer flat fees, which provide cost predictability.
- Retainer: For ongoing services, a lawyer may require a retainer - a lump sum deposited in advance - against which hourly fees are charged.
- Contingency fee: In some infringement cases, especially those involving significant damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency basis, receiving a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or judgment.
It's important to discuss payment arrangements upfront to understand the total cost and billing practices.
How Much Does a Copyright Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a copyright lawyer varies based on the complexity of your needs:
- Copyright registration: Legal fees for preparing and filing a copyright application typically range from $250 to $1,000, plus U.S. Copyright Office filing fees (which are $45 to $85 per application as of 2024).
- Contract drafting or review: Fees for drafting or reviewing agreements can range from $500 to $2,500 or more, depending on complexity.
-
Infringement matters:
- Cease and desist letters: Sending a letter may cost between $500 and $1,500.
- Negotiations and settlements: Legal fees can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Litigation: Taking a case to court can be expensive, with costs ranging from $10,000 to over $100,000, depending on the case's complexity and duration.
- Hourly rates: Expect to pay between $200 and $600 per hour for most services.
Always request a detailed cost estimate during your initial consultation to understand the potential expenses involved.
Top Questions to Ask a Copyright Lawyer
Before hiring a copyright lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
-
What experience do you have with copyright law?
Ensure the lawyer has specific expertise in copyright matters similar to yours. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees, and any additional costs. -
What is the process for registering my copyright?
Ask about the steps involved, timelines, and what information you'll need to provide. -
How can I enforce my copyright if someone infringes it?
Discuss enforcement options, potential remedies, and the likelihood of success. -
What are the risks involved in my situation?
Whether you're protecting your work or using someone else's, understand the legal risks and how to mitigate them. -
Can you assist with international copyright protection?
If you need global protection, inquire about the lawyer's experience with international copyright laws and treaties. -
What strategies can you suggest for licensing my work?
Explore options for monetizing your copyright through licensing agreements and how to structure them effectively.
How to Check the Credibility of a Copyright Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable copyright lawyer:
- Verify their license: Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
- Review their experience: Look for lawyers who specialize in intellectual property law, particularly copyright issues.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Websites like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google Reviews can provide insights into the lawyer's reputation and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients.
- Professional memberships: Membership in organizations like the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) or the International Trademark Association (INTA) indicates a focus on intellectual property law.
- Check for certifications: Some lawyers hold certifications or advanced degrees in intellectual property law, demonstrating specialized expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a copyright lawyer, bring the following:
- Descriptions of your work: Provide detailed descriptions or copies of the work you wish to protect, such as manuscripts, recordings, software code, or artwork.
- Evidence of creation: Documentation that proves when and how you created the work, such as drafts, timestamps, or metadata.
- Existing agreements: Any contracts, licensing agreements, or previous registrations related to your work.
- Infringement evidence (if applicable): If someone is infringing your copyright, bring evidence like copies of the infringing material, URLs, screenshots, or witness statements.
- Questions and concerns: Prepare a list of questions about your rights, the registration process, enforcement options, and any potential legal risks.
- Goals and objectives: Be clear about what you hope to achieve, whether it's registering your work, licensing it, or taking action against an infringer.
By coming prepared, you enable the lawyer to provide accurate advice and develop an effective legal strategy tailored to your needs.
